washcloth

[ wosh-klawth, -kloth, wawsh- ]

noun

plural washcloths

1. a small cloth for washing one's face or body.

washcloth

/ ˈwɒʃˌklɒθ /

noun

1. another name for dishcloth
2. a small piece of cloth used to wash the face and hands Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)face clothflannel

Word History and Origins

Origin of washcloth¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; wash + cloth

Example Sentences

He dunked a washcloth and wiped the encrusted blood off the face, then wadded tissues inside the mouth and nostrils.

From Los Angeles Times

You can buy an ice roller for your face, or even just use a paper towel or washcloth.

From National Geographic

I was sick all day Sunday, ministered to by my girlfriend, who fed me chicken soup and bathed my head with wet washcloths.

From Salon

When I go somewhere and they don’t have no washcloths, I’ll be feeling like people are dirty.

From New York Times

In my shower in California, I scrub the soap against a rough white cotton washcloth and move the towel across every limb, every birthmark, every scar.

From Salon