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

One concern is that washing could create a lead-containing residue inside machines, which might need to be cleaned to prevent releasing contamination into wastewater.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

But other products, like washing machines, that contain a significant amount of the metals will be subject to a 25% flat tariff.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

But even Bell contends that many business leaders today are exaggerating the technology’s role in layoffs, a practice that’s coming to be known as AI washing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Struggling to fall pregnant, Barbora Gray remembers washing her hair with raw eggs after seeing a post online.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

My problem was this: too much washing up, of my face in particular.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking