washing

American  

[wosh-ing, waw-shing] / ˈwɒʃ ɪŋ, ˈwɔ ʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that washes; ablution.

2. clothes, linens, etc., washed or to be washed, especially those washed at one time; wash.

3. Often washings any liquid that has been used to wash something.

4. matter removed or carried off in washing something or by the force of water.

   The washings from numerous spring floods had clogged the mouth of the river.

5. Mining.

   1. material, as gold dust, obtained by washing earth, gravel, etc.

   2. the deposits so washed.

6. Metalworking. wash.

7. the act of making a wash sale.

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washing British  

/ ˈwɒʃɪŋ /

noun

1. articles that have been or are to be washed together on a single occasion

2. liquid in which an article has been washed

3. something, such as gold dust or metal ore, that has been obtained by washing

4. a thin coat of something applied in liquid form

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Etymology

Origin of washing

First recorded in 1175–1225, washing is from the Middle English word wasschunge. See wash, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

However, the researchers found that the biggest environmental burden associated with hand washing dishes is not the plastic particles themselves.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

It opened a roughly $100 million factory in Brazil making refrigerators and washing machines in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Luke Dawson, a National Trust ranger who helps look after the site, says heavier winter rains are washing chalk from the slope more quickly, while mild, damp conditions give algae more chance to grow.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Feminist collective 50/50 accused organisers of "feminism washing" by using actors Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon for publicity purposes.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

In some of the thin-walled houses, it was so cold that water could freeze in a bucket before you’d finished washing.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking