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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.

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

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

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

Then I put on my backpack and climbed up onto the washing machine.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

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