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

See Examples For:

washing machine

Bylett and his wife have had to make changes, including cooking all their meals in advance of heatwaves to avoid using hot appliances in high temperatures and avoiding putting the washing machine on.

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026

The good news for appliance manufacturer Whirlpool WHR -1.49%decrease; red down pointing triangle is that when a refrigerator or washing machine breaks, homeowners generally purchase a new one.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 23, 2026

“It’s like you’re in a washing machine getting hit with sticks.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 15, 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

A few days later, they found the equipment-room key in some teacher’s washing machine, and Mom told the principal and the noon aide they had to write me an apology.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko