washboard

[ wosh-bawrd, -bohrd, wawsh- ]

/ ˈwɒʃˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd, ˈwɔʃ- /

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noun

a rectangular board or frame, typically with a corrugated metallic surface, on which clothes are rubbed in the process of washing.

a baseboard around the walls of a room.

Also called splashboard. Nautical.

a thin, broad plank fastened to and projecting above the gunwale or side of a boat to keep out the spray and sea.
a similar board on the sill of a port.

adjective

resembling a washboard in being rough and bumpy: a washboard roadbed.

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Origin of washboard

First recorded in 1735–45; wash + board

OTHER WORDS FROM washboard

washboardy, adjective

Words nearby washboard

washable, wash-and-wear, washateria, washaway, washbasin, washboard, washbowl, washcloth, washday, wash dirty linen (laundry) in public, washdown

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use washboard in a sentence

I’m on Roth’s tail as she swoops through the first few turns, rattling over babyheads and washboards.
This Adaptive Mountain Bike Brings Freedom Back to Disabled Riders|cobrien|January 20, 2022|Outside Online
Although the NFL party animal loves flaunting his washboard abs, he seems more fratboy than Fabio.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Nine months later, he awakens from his coma with washboard abs and the ability to run really fast.
‘The Flash’ Review: Teen Angst Gets a Comic Book Quickie|Sujay Kumar|October 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Not 17-year-olds with washboard abs, but smooth-cheeked preteens and young adolescents.
Penn State Sex-Abuse Case Revives Issue of Using Chemical Castration|Michelle Cottle|November 11, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Slim-hipped and washboard-abbed, she showed a fair amount of midriff.
Kate Middleton's Classic Style|Rebecca Dana|November 16, 2010|DAILY BEAST
MemphisYou're more likely to find a good BBQ joint here than a guy with washboard abs.
Best (and Worst) Cities to Meet Men|The Daily Beast|October 18, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Carlson was a little above medium height, dark complexioned, his brow a washboard of horizontal wrinkles.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
The other swung his sea-booted feet over the washboard, entered, and closed the door.
The Viking Blood|Frederick William Wallace
A round seam would wear out sooner by coming into frequent contact with the washboard and iron, besides irritating the skin.
Textiles and Clothing|Kate Heintz Watson
They bent to the plow and the washboard when we were helpless.
A Pioneer Mother|Hamlin Garland
Not every child has the good fortune to live near a washboard factory.
Hints to Pilgrims|Charles Stephen Brooks

British Dictionary definitions for washboard

washboard

/ (ˈwɒʃˌbɔːd) /

noun

a board having a surface, usually of corrugated metal, on which esp formerly, clothes were scrubbed

such a board used as a rhythm instrument played with the fingers in skiffle, Country and Western music, etc

a less common US word for skirting board

nautical

a vertical planklike shield fastened to the gunwales of a boat to prevent water from splashing over the side
Also called: splashboard a shield under a port for the same purpose

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