washing

1 of 2

noun

wash·​ing ˈwȯ-shiŋ How to pronounce washing (audio)
ˈwä-
Synonyms of washingnext
1
: the act or action of one that cleanses with water
2
: material obtained by washing
3
: articles washed or to be washed : wash

washing

2 of 2

present participle of wash entry 1

Examples of washing in a Sentence

Noun These shirts will look great even after repeated washings.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Clean food utensils and articles are stored at both sides of the hand washing sink. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 Other common violations include washing cars at home, filling pools and power washing, which are all disallowed. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 Companies that describe their services as sovereign without being clear about those dependencies risk accusations of sovereignty-washing. — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 An employee was unaware of testing sanitizer for the ware washing sink. — Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for washing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of washing was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing washing

Rhymes for washing

See All Rhymes for washing

Browse Nearby Words

washiness
washing
washing bottle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/washing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

washing

noun
wash·​ing ˈwȯsh-iŋ How to pronounce washing (audio)
ˈwäsh-
: articles washed or to be washed

More from Merriam-Webster on washing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for washing

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about washing

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