ablution

American  

[uh-bloo-shuhn] / əˈblu ʃən /

noun

1. a cleansing with water or other liquid, especially as a religious ritual.

2. the liquid thus used.

3. Usually ablutions a washing of the hands, body, etc.

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ablution British  

/ əˈbluːʃən /

noun

1. the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels

2. (often plural) the act of washing (esp in the phrase perform one's ablutions )

3. informal (plural) military a washing place

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Other Word Forms

• ablutionary adjective

Etymology

Origin of ablution

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin ablūtiōn- (stem of ablūtiō ), equivalent to ablūt ( us ), past participle of abluere ( abluent ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

An ablution is a washing or a cleaning of oneself, for personal hygiene, or a ritual washing or cleaning associated with religious observance. The word ablution comes from the Latin abluere, meaning "to wash away." Back in the Middle Ages this term referred to the use of liquids for purification in chemistry; it later took on religious meaning. All the major religions have some rituals of purification. Examples include the washing of the hands or feet, and the cleansing of sacred containers or other objects.

Example Sentences

I used to go to Lozano’s for ablution.

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2024

Additionally, the ablution hall of one mosque was damaged inside, according to videos obtained by the group.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

These stones were polished and inscribed and probably intended for use in a ceremonial ritual, perhaps ablution, suggesting they originated in the seventh century.

From Scientific American • Jul. 28, 2022

One of the eight steps of ablution includes the rinsing of the mouth, and accidentally swallowing the water during this step would break your fast.

From BBC • May 15, 2018

My father was then led to the back of the cave where an ablution ceremony was held.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane