washing machine

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of washing machine

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

The worker uncurls its claw-like fingers, daintily grips the basket by its edges and walks it over to a conveyor that will send it through an industrial washing machine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 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

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

"You are steaming, boiling the bed sheets - we even got a new washing machine," she said.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

Another long pause—she’s talking to me and doing something else, multitasking, the way busy wives and mothers do, tidying up, loading the washing machine.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins