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washing machine

American  

noun

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


washing machine British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of washing machine

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

As a practical matter, the current market value of one’s home is irrelevant to the decision whether to buy a new washing machine or toaster.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 22, 2026

She had returned to her home to try to recover her washing machine.

From BBC Jun. 27, 2026

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

When I go downstairs for breakfast, she’s loading the washing machine.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

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