dishwater

[ dish-waw-ter, -wot-er ]

noun

1. water in which dishes are, or have been, washed.

dishwater

/ ˈdɪʃˌwɔːtə /

noun

1. water in which dishes and kitchen utensils are or have been washed
2. something resembling this

   that was dishwater, not coffee

Word History and Origins

Origin of dishwater¹

First recorded in 1475–85; dish + water

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. dull as dishwater / ditchwater, extremely dull; boring.

More idioms and phrases containing dishwater

see dull as dishwater .

Example Sentences

Like the time we attempted to deep fry a turkey outside but it was so windy the fire kept going out, or when the dishwasher broke just as everything was coming out of the oven, submerging the kitchen floor in an inch of gray dishwater.

From Eater

The Silver Fox is colorful in a way that makes Tea Party characters like Ted Cruz or Allen West look dishwater dull by comparison.

From The Daily Beast

This is Beltway territory; we thrive on dull-as-dishwater debates.

From The Daily Beast

Without the bleaching of the sun his hair seemed dishwater blond, certainly not golden.

From The Daily Beast

I pressed my services upon him, somewhat feebly, I own, for I can't bear dishwater; but he rejected my offer.

From Project Gutenberg

If however, it is necessary to be extremely economical with water, it is better to stint the dishwater than the rinsing water.

From Project Gutenberg

Primmie wept no more into the dishwater nor sighed despairingly when serving breakfast.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Braley told it as a distinguished trait that Phebe would never set her hand in hot dishwater.

From Project Gutenberg

Huldah persevered with her confession, dropping an occasional tear in the dishwater.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bouillon
• chowder
• porridge
• puree