washcloth

[ wosh-klawth, -kloth, wawsh- ]

/ ˈwɒʃˌklɔθ, -ˌklɒθ, ˈwɔʃ- /

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noun, plural wash·cloths

[wosh-klawthz, -klothz, -klawths, -kloths, wawsh-]. /ˈwɒʃˌklɔðz, -ˌklɒðz, -ˌklɔθs, -ˌklɒθs, ˈwɔʃ-/.

a small cloth for washing one's face or body.

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Also called facecloth, washrag.

Origin of washcloth

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; wash + cloth

Words nearby washcloth

washateria, washaway, washbasin, washboard, washbowl, washcloth, washday, wash dirty linen (laundry) in public, washdown, wash drawing, washed-out

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

How to use washcloth in a sentence

To squeeze in some extra storage, Cruzado suggests using a small shelf in a corner for everyday items or a grouping of shelves on the wall for towels and washcloths.
Shopping with the pros: Solutions for a functional and stylish bathroom|Mari-Jane Williams|May 6, 2021|Washington Post
This is just a reminder to stop the drain or place a washcloth over the drain in your bathroom sink to catch anything that falls in.
Hints From Heloise: Treasured stuffed animals need a bath|Heloise Heloise|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
Apply the full-strength cleaner to a clean washcloth or terry cloth.
Need to remove sap from asphalt? Get out the hand sanitizer.|Jeanne Huber|November 30, 2020|Washington Post
Is there a more dreadful sensation than that of your stomach wringing itself out like a washcloth?
Why My Norovirus Panic Makes Me Sick|Lizzie Crocker|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST

I stroke his muscles with a soapy washcloth, picking out the embedded flecks of glass with my fingernails.
Inside a Home Funeral|Melissa Roberts Weidman|February 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I took a washcloth, made it really hot, put it over my chest, and prayed, ‘Please don’t let them grow any bigger!
Kim Kardashian’s Motherhood Guide|Michael Solomon|January 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Hanging on a wooden peg driven into a hole, drilled in the cabin's wall, were a clean towel and washcloth.
The Spell of the White Sturgeon|James Arthur Kjelgaard
When I blew the last note, I was wrung out as a washcloth, but I summoned the energy to zip over to the hatch and block it.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom|Cory Doctorow
Fortunately the family washcloth hadn't been discovered by the time ours was produced; and we proceeded to wash.
Have We No Rights?|Mabel Williamson
After we had finished with the basin of hot water, Mrs. Wong took advantage of it, having found her own washcloth in the meantime.
Have We No Rights?|Mabel Williamson
Alan shook his head, got up off his chair, went inside for a cold washcloth and an ice pack, and came back out.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow

British Dictionary definitions for washcloth

washcloth

/ (ˈwɒʃˌklɒθ) /

noun

another name for dishcloth

US and Canadian a small piece of cloth used to wash the face and handsAlso called (in Britain and certain other countries): face cloth, flannel

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