washing

American  

[wosh-ing, waw-shing] / ˈwɒʃ ɪŋ, ˈwɔ ʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that washes; ablution.

2. clothes, linens, etc., washed or to be washed, especially those washed at one time; wash.

3. Often washings any liquid that has been used to wash something.

4. matter removed or carried off in washing something or by the force of water.

   The washings from numerous spring floods had clogged the mouth of the river.

5. Mining.

   1. material, as gold dust, obtained by washing earth, gravel, etc.

   2. the deposits so washed.

6. Metalworking. wash.

7. the act of making a wash sale.

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washing British  

/ ˈwɒʃɪŋ /

noun

1. articles that have been or are to be washed together on a single occasion

2. liquid in which an article has been washed

3. something, such as gold dust or metal ore, that has been obtained by washing

4. a thin coat of something applied in liquid form

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Etymology

Origin of washing

First recorded in 1175–1225, washing is from the Middle English word wasschunge. See wash, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But in Congo, relatives often insist on traditional burial practices, which include washing corpses to usher the dead into the afterlife.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

It also involved dispelling rumours and explaining why traditional mourning practices - such as washing the bodies of the deceased - had to be banned.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Instead, they concealed fixtures so the surfaces themselves glow, washing the lower walls and letting the ceiling read as an unbroken form.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Quick said residents can take steps to limit their exposure, such as washing dusty equipment and keeping cleaning floors and other surfaces clean.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

The idea is that the hay rolls will stop the soil from washing away as the worm poop helps the invisible good stuff grow back in the soil.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking