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hand-washing

American  
[hand-wosh-ing, -wawsh‐] / ˈhændˌwɒʃ ɪŋ, -ˌwɔʃ‐ /
Or handwashing

noun

  1. the act or activity of laundering something by hand.

  2. the act or activity of washing one’s hands.


Etymology

Origin of hand-washing

First recorded in 1790–95; hand ( def. ) + washing ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We have tried to intervene with limited resources by setting up a hand-washing station and providing some personal protective equipment for staff,” Lusenge told the Journal by email.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Last month, inspectors found what appeared to be mold and mildew around the hand-washing sinks used by workers preparing ready-to-eat meats, CBS News reported.

From Salon • Sep. 18, 2024

It has urged people in China to take basic precautions like getting vaccinated, wearing masks and hand-washing.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2023

Help children learn the when and how of hand-washing.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

I waited, listening to footsteps come and go, to the water-sounds of hand-washing and flushing.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin

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