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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:

"The money they have each month coming in is what's going out so once something goes wrong – be it the car, the washing machine – it just tips them over," she said.

From BBC Aug. 6, 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

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

Lily leads me into the basement, andI stop her halfway down the stairs when I hear Dad’s stressed voice above the dull rumble of the washing machine.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

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