washboard

American  

[wosh-bawrd, -bohrd, wawsh-] / ˈwɒʃˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd, ˈwɔʃ- /

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 British  

/ 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 called: splashboard.  a shield under a port for the same purpose

---

Other Word Forms

• washboardy
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of washboard

First recorded in 1735–45; wash + board

Example Sentences

Whether the dogs followed that trail or clambered over the Lewis and Clark mountain range somewhere else - places with names like Corrugate Ridge or Washboard Reef - is unknown.

From Washington Times • Sep. 12, 2015

He also performed in a New Orleans-style jazz band called Stanley’s Washboard Kings, which for many years had a regular gig at the Cajun, a restaurant in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2015

Not so with the Reverend, whose scorching band really just comprises drummer Ben "Bird Dog" Bussell and "Washboard" Breezy Peyton, who plays said instrumet with vigorous aplomb.

From The Guardian • Jul. 28, 2013

Others performing are New Orleans cabaret and jazz singer Anais St. John, blues guitarist Little Freddie King, singer Charmaine Neville and the Washboard Chaz blues trio.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2013

When he recognized the song, Washboard Blues, as one he had written, Hoagland Howard Carmichael forgot about the bar and set about becoming the old music master.

From Time Magazine Archive