washer

American  

[wosh-er, waw-sher] / ˈwɒʃ ər, ˈwɔ ʃər /

noun

1. a person or thing that washes.

2. washing machine.

3. a flat ring or perforated piece of leather, rubber, metal, etc., used to give tightness to a joint, to prevent leakage, to distribute pressure, etc., as under the head of a nut or bolt.

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washer British  

/ ˈwɒʃə /

noun

1. a person or thing that washes

2. a flat ring or drilled disc of metal used under the head of a bolt or nut to spread the load when tightened

3. any flat ring of rubber, felt, metal, etc, used to provide a seal under a nut or in a tap or valve seat

4. See washing machine

5. chemical engineering a device for cleaning or washing gases or vapours; scrubber

6. a face cloth; flannel

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Other Word Forms

• washerless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of washer

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; see origin at wash, -er ¹

Example Sentences

The Tin Caps were up 9-6 in the top of the eighth inning when Cubs catcher Jake Washer and TinCaps batter Kevin Melean started to jaw at each other.

From Fox News • May 26, 2021

Or buy an assortment of washers, such as the Danco Home Washer Assortment, a 42-piece kit that costs $6.98 at Home Depot.

From Washington Post • Apr. 17, 2020

Jamilah recommends EasyWash Mobile Washer to help remove dirt when you are hand washing your clothes.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2020

Texan Tim Washer never shied away from being the "funny guy at work", thanks to growing up appreciating comedians and even trying some stand-up.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2017

On Main Street I saw a sign in a cafe window: Dish Washer Wanted I went in and spoke to the manager and was hired to come to work the following night.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright