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washboard

[ wosh-bawrd, -bohrd, wawsh- ]

noun

  1. a rectangular board or frame, typically with a corrugated metallic surface, on which clothes are rubbed in the process of washing.
  2. a baseboard around the walls of a room.
  3. Also called splashboard. Nautical.
    1. a thin, broad plank fastened to and projecting above the gunwale or side of a boat to keep out the spray and sea.
    2. a similar board on the sill of a port.


adjective

  1. resembling a washboard in being rough and bumpy:

    a washboard roadbed.

washboard

/ ˈwɒʃˌbɔːd /

noun

  1. a board having a surface, usually of corrugated metal, on which esp formerly, clothes were scrubbed
  2. such a board used as a rhythm instrument played with the fingers in skiffle, Country and Western music, etc
  3. a less common US word for skirting board
  4. nautical
    1. a vertical planklike shield fastened to the gunwales of a boat to prevent water from splashing over the side
    2. Also calledsplashboard a shield under a port for the same purpose


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Other Words From

  • washboardy adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of washboard1

First recorded in 1735–45; wash + board

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Example Sentences

I’m on Roth’s tail as she swoops through the first few turns, rattling over babyheads and washboards.

Although the NFL party animal loves flaunting his washboard abs, he seems more fratboy than Fabio.

Nine months later, he awakens from his coma with washboard abs and the ability to run really fast.

Not 17-year-olds with washboard abs, but smooth-cheeked preteens and young adolescents.

Slim-hipped and washboard-abbed, she showed a fair amount of midriff.

MemphisYou're more likely to find a good BBQ joint here than a guy with washboard abs.

Carlson was a little above medium height, dark complexioned, his brow a washboard of horizontal wrinkles.

The other swung his sea-booted feet over the washboard, entered, and closed the door.

A round seam would wear out sooner by coming into frequent contact with the washboard and iron, besides irritating the skin.

They bent to the plow and the washboard when we were helpless.

Not every child has the good fortune to live near a washboard factory.

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