wash out
Britishverb
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(tr) to wash (the inside of something) so as to remove (dirt)
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Also: wash off. to remove or be removed by washing
grass stains don't wash out easily
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(tr) to cancel or abandon (a sporting event)
noun
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geology
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erosion of the earth's surface by the action of running water
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a narrow channel produced by this erosion
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informal
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a total failure or disaster
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an incompetent person
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a sporting or social event that is cancelled due to rain
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aeronautics a decrease in the angle of attack of an aircraft wing towards the wing tip
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Remove or be removed by washing; also, cause to fade by laundering. For example, Give it to me; I'll wash out that stain , or The bleach has really washed out that bright print . [Mid-1700s]
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Wear away or be worn away by the flow of water, as in The river rose and washed out the dam , or The road has completely washed out . [Mid-1700s]
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Deplete or be depleted of energy, as in Working on her feet all day just washed her out , or I just washed out after that long tennis match . [Mid-1800s]
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Eliminate or be eliminated as unsatisfactory, as in He washed out of medical school after just one year , or After only two months as chairman I washed out . [ Colloquial ; early 1900s]
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Cancel owing to bad weather, as in The picnic was washed out . [ Colloquial ; early 1900s] Also see washed out .
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.
Parke Skelton, a retired veteran Democratic political consultant, said that he expects the slate mailers, field volunteers and other support that each organization can provide their endorsed candidate will wash out.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026
“I also think the first storm will wash out any equipment you install…,” he added.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
A two week "wash out" period separated the phases so the researchers could reset the conditions before testing the next drink.
From Science Daily ● May 25, 2026
The $15 million lesson was expensive, and the suspension of Kimmel was a stain that won’t wash out easily.
From Salon ● May 13, 2026
“Good, good. There’ll be a dinner bell in a few hours. When you hear that, you can wash out by the well and then come in through the back door.”
From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
