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

Washing machines in China’s hinterland are being churned out under the command of an AI “factory brain.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Washing removes any dirt and poop, but it also removes the egg’s external membrane layer, which helps prevent bacteria from entering the shell.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2025

Washing your turkey is not recommended because it can spread bacteria to kitchen surfaces and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2024

Washing your hands often is a good idea whether or not you’re handling food, as E. coli can spread through contaminated surfaces or hands.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2024

Washing her hands a dozen times a day under stinging cold water with a block of soda brought on her first chilblains.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking