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

Manchester United meanwhile would be washing their hands of someone who was in Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' last summer.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

The maker of refrigerators and washing machines swung to a loss in the first quarter as the war in Iran has hit demand and cut its full-year forecast.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The decision directly affects Samsung’s sales of consumer electronics such as TVs, washing machines and refrigerators in China, according to company officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

While washing food can remove most of the chemicals, direct exposure from inhaling Roundup while it’s sprayed on crops likely carries a much higher risk.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

The room she found herself in was a washing machine full of all the things that had filled the house.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking