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; wash, -er ¹

Example Sentences

She added a Filtrol, an aftermarket filter that attaches to her washer’s drain pipe, and says it was easy to install.

From Washington Post

But under a newly proposed legislative overhaul, it could become more difficult for snow washers to exploit Canadian law, which is now among the weakest in the world at requiring corporate ownership transparency.

From New York Times

These fabric items can be easily rinsed out and thrown in the washer when doing a load of clothes.

From Washington Post

Inside, the condos have open floor plans, recessed lighting, wide-plank European flooring, polished chrome hardware and a stacked washer and dryer.

From Washington Post

Stewart says that, as a mom, she knows there’s a good chance that younger folks won’t listen to her advice: “In that case, we advise using cold water and trying not to overload the washer.”

From Washington Post