washable

[ wosh-uh-buh l, waw-shuh- ]

/ ˈwɒʃ ə bəl, ˈwɔ ʃə- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR washable ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

capable of being washed without shrinking, fading, or the like.

noun

a washable garment.

RELATED WORDS

launderable

Nearby words

wash, the, wash-and-wear, wash-hand basin, wash-leather, wash., washable, washateria, washaway, washbasin, washboard, washbowl

Origin of washable

First recorded in 1615–25; wash + -able

Related formswash·a·bil·i·ty, nounnon·wash·a·ble, adjectiveun·wash·a·ble, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for washable

The linen or serge jumper dress, made with a washable underblouse, is a most satisfactory garment for the school dress.
Appropriate Clothes for the High School Girl|Virginia M. Alexander
For not only must they be of this washable nature, but they must be of a character to resist the influence of the heat.
The Turkish Bath|Robert Owen Allsop
Oil colour when flatted makes a nice wall, whether "stippled" or plain, and is both durable and washable.
Principles of Decorative Design|Christopher Dresser
All the walls in the building were whitewashed and washable.
Royal Highness|Thomas Mann

Elaborate, carved, or upholstered furniture is unsuitable in a sick room, but if it must be used it should have washable covers.
American Red Cross Text-Book on Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick|Jane A. Delano

British Dictionary definitions for washable

washable

/ (ˈwɒʃəbəl) /

adjective

(esp of fabrics or clothes) capable of being washed without deteriorating

Derived Formswashability, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for washable

washable

adj.

1620s, from wash (v.) + -able. Related: Washables (n.), 1892.