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

Example Sentences

I would stand in our kitchen at dusk, the marine layer settling in, peaceful as I loaded the dishwasher in a life I hadn’t necessarily seen for myself.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“I’m not paying anything” for it, she said, explaining that she just uses the dishwasher soap she already has.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Other writers, especially women, have historically opted for cafe writing because working at home comes with constant prompts of other duties: unloading the dishwasher, deworming the cat, filing tax returns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Andrew's rule for stacking the dishwasher is - if you eat from it, put it in the lower rack, if you drink from it, place it in the upper rack.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

“Señor Fidencio’s grandson. He studies in a school to be a mechanic and works at night as a dishwasher in a café.”

From "Lupita Mañana" by Patricia Beatty