washing machine

American  

noun

washing machines plural

1. an apparatus, especially a household appliance, for washing clothing, linens, etc.

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washing machine British  

noun

1. a mechanical apparatus, usually powered by electricity, for washing clothing, linens, etc

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• washing machines
  plural

Etymology

Origin of washing machine

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

They have had to shell out thousands of dollars for repairs, including replacing the washing machine and dishwasher, Conrad said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

The researchers conjectured that because washers and dryers are typically sold as pairs, retailers may have simply spread the washing machine cost increase between the two products to keep their prices similar.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

On the side of a highway on the outskirts of Havana, vendors sell bags of charcoal and makeshift braziers, some fashioned from old washing machine drums.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

"You are steaming, boiling the bed sheets - we even got a new washing machine," she said.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

Now that she piled them up in a basket and threw them into the washing machine on Friday evenings, she had come to see this, the heaping of dirty underwear, as normal.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie