washable

American

[wosh-uh-buhl, waw-shuh-] / ˈwɒʃ ə bəl, ˈwɔ ʃə- /

adjective

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

noun

a washable garment.

washable British

/ ˈwɒʃəbəl /

adjective

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

"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

Other Word Forms

nonwashable adjective
unwashable adjective
washability noun

Etymology

Origin of washable

First recorded in 1615–25; wash + -able

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.

Mr Machin said the firm was looking forward to a profitable Christmas period, and said sales were going well of its much-loved rose mulled wine, and men's washable tuxedos.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

Every time I wear this comfortable, washable cap, someone stops to ask me where they can buy one.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024

Throughout your décor, consider using washable, pet-proof fabric.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024

The underwear, which is absorbent, washable and reusable, is seen as more environmentally friendly than single-use products such as menstrual pads.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2024

The tablecloth has the pattern stamped straight on the linen in washable ink, like a paint-by-numbers picture.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023