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

“If a washing machine breaks, nobody laughs,” said Dennis Hong, an engineering professor at UCLA.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

Zhongji Innolight is the result of a 2017 merger between Suzhou Innolight Technology, an optical module maker that was seeking new funding, and Shandong-based Zhongji Equipment, a washing machine motor maker with low margins.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026

The adhesive CreateMe uses is thermoset, which means that ironing or washing machine temperatures aren't enough to melt it and make the clothes fall apart, insists Myers.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

According to a 2020 survey by Federal Reserve and University of Chicago economists, the tariffs forced washing machine prices up by nearly 12%, or about $86 each.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026

In the summer, Mom had bought a wringer washing machine like the one we’d had in Phoenix, and we kept it in the kitchen.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls