car wash

American  

Or carwash

noun

1. a place or structure having special equipment for washing automobiles.

2. the washing of an automobile.

   The service station is offering free car washes to draw customers.

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Etymology

Origin of car wash

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

She’s looking for work as a cook after being laid off from a car wash in January.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

The Arby’s employee noticed Cynthia’s Fiero parked at a car wash across the street from about 9 to 11:45 that night, hours after the stripogram was supposed to end.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Gonzalez Valencia was released from prison last year after reportedly serving time for suspicious payments related to a car wash she owned.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

Now, the 37-year-old's car wash business is also due for demolition.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

Their vines hung over the driveway like streamers of sponge at a car wash.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides