washup

or wash-up

[ wosh-uhp, wawsh- ]

/ ˈwɒʃˌʌp, ˈwɔʃ- /

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noun

an act of washing: Allow five minutes for washup.

a place, as a bathroom, for washing.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of washup

First recorded in 1865–70; noun use of verb phrase wash up

Words nearby washup

washrag, washroom, wash sale, washstand, washtub, washup, washwoman, washy, Wasim Akram, wasn't, wasp

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use washup in a sentence

“I think”—began Tom, when they were down in their staterooms taking a washup before the noon meal.
Frontier Boys in the South Seas|Wyn Roosevelt
There was a general washup, after which the entire party went to table.
Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants|H. Irving Hancock

British Dictionary definitions for washup

wash up

verb (adverb)

mainly British to wash (dishes, cutlery, etc) after a meal

(intr) US to wash one's face and hands

noun washup

Australian the end, outcome of a processin the washup, three candidates were elected

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 Idioms and Phrases with washup

wash up

Wash one's hands and face, as in It's time to wash up for dinner. [First half of 1900s] Also see clean up, def. 2.

Clean the utensils after a meal, as in I'll cook dinner if you promise to wash up. [Mid-1700s] Also see do the dishes.

Bring about the end or ruin of; finish. This usage is often used put in the passive, be washed up, as in She's all washed up as a singer. [Colloquial; early 1900s]