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

He got a job as a dishwasher at an Indian restaurant in Beverly Hills.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

Expensive appliances and steeper gas prices are forcing would-be shoppers to ask if they really do need a fridge or dishwasher.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

“They deserve it,” she said, citing her respect for them because her father was a dishwasher and her mother cleaned houses.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

I handed her the dishes, and one by one, she took them from me and slowly—very slowly—put them into the dishwasher.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg