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.

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Etymology

Origin of hand-washing

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

Example Sentences

A dirty floor, inadequate hand-washing facilities in some areas and broken equipment posing a potential contamination risk were also identified in the inspectors' report.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

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

From Salon • Aug. 29, 2024

That same day, a King County health inspection found other violations and cited the restaurant for a lack of adequate hand-washing facilities and food worker cards.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2024

Such measures included vaccination, keeping distance from sick people, staying at home when ill, getting tested and medical care as needed, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and regular hand-washing, it said.

From Reuters • Nov. 23, 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