dishwasher

American  

[dish-wosh-er, -waw-sher] / ˈdɪʃˌwɒʃ ər, -ˌwɔ ʃər /

noun

1. a person who washes dishes.

2. a machine for washing dishes, kitchen utensils, etc., automatically.

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dishwasher British  

/ ˈdɪʃˌwɒʃə /

noun

1. an electrically operated machine for washing, rinsing, and drying dishes, cutlery, etc

2. a person who washes dishes, etc

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Etymology

Origin of dishwasher

First recorded in 1520–30; dish + washer

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

It had one bathroom, shaggy carpet, a dilapidated deck and no dishwasher.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

But unless a dishwasher or a fridge stops working, buying another one is a discretionary purchase.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

Along with purchases, the new platform could help customers with things like dishwasher repairs, or recommend supplies needed for events.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Before running them through the dishwasher, he soaks and scrubs off the most stubborn jams and sauces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

As soon as the lunch shift ended, I took my bag and shoved my dishwasher shirt inside.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya