noun
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an electrically operated machine for washing, rinsing, and drying dishes, cutlery, etc
-
a person who washes dishes, etc
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of dishwasher
Explanation
If you work as a dishwasher, your job involves cleaning the glasses, plates, bowls, and silverware at a restaurant or cafe. You're also a dishwasher if you volunteer to wash the dishes after dinner at home. Some dishwashers scrub pots, pans, and dishes by hand, while others simply load up the other kind of dishwasher — a machine that automatically cleans dishes. While a human dishwasher has to scrub to get the dishes clean, a mechanical dishwasher sprays extremely hot water to do the same job. This new and improved type of dishwasher was invented in the late 19th century.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
When I asked if the robots could load the dishwasher, for example, Pinkerton said yes, but caveated that they’ve broken a dish before while working with a customer who agreed to the risk.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
Frank G. Brotz’s Kohler Electric Sink, which incorporated a motorized dishwasher into the familiar basin, promised release from the “thrice-daily drudgery” of washing dishes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
I’ve repaired our fridge, dishwasher, vacuum, toaster, sewing machine and bikes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
It’s not even like there’s a huge market of people lining up for a $500 toothbrush, or a dishwasher whose retail price hasn’t even been officially announced yet.
From Slate ● Sep. 14, 2026
I guess I had never bothered to pay attention to the dishwasher before.
From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya
They include steel, aluminum, clothing, smartphones and other electronics, fish, dishwashers, washing machines, and stoves.
From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026
Ovens, hobs, tumble dryers, washing machines and dishwashers can all make indoor spaces warmer.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 2026
Running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
Legends’ most recent proposal calls for wage freezes for some workers and a 25-cent hourly increase for cooks and dishwashers, the union said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 2, 2026
The background pulsing of the dishwashers, the squeal of announcements that no one hears—it is a vespiary, the Hornet haven.
From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
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