washerman

[ wosh-er-muhn, waw-sher- ]

/ ˈwɒʃ ər mən, ˈwɔ ʃər- /

Save This Word!

noun, plural wash·er·men.

a man who washes clothes, linens, etc., for hire; laundryman.

a man who operates a machine for washing, as in a phase of a manufacturing process.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of washerman

First recorded in 1705–15; washer + -man

See -man.

In the Company's vocabulary a 'washerman' was a man who 'bleached' new-made cloth; and the Company employed a number of bleachers.
The Story of Madras|Glyn Barlow
Joe turned to spy the frightened deputy washerman wriggling under the verandah.
Down the Mother Lode|Vivia Hemphill
I think these are all our domestics, except the dobee, or washerman, but I do not know his name.
A Popular Account of the Manners and Customs of India|Charles Acland
The dhoby (washerman) will wash and get up your clothing, but will do nothing else.
A Soldier's Experience or A Voice from the Ranks: Showing the Cost of War in Blood and Treasure|Timothy Gowing

Having filled the drum, they emerged from the forest at a place where a washerman was washing clothes.
Santal Folk Tales|A. Campbell