ablution

[ uh-bloo-shuhn ]

noun

1. a cleansing with water or other liquid, especially as a religious ritual.
2. the liquid thus used.
3. Usually ablutions. a washing of the hands, body, etc.

ablution

/ əˈbluːʃən /

noun

1. the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels
2. often plural the act of washing (esp in the phrase perform one's ablutions )
3. informal.
   plural military a washing place

Derived Forms

• abˈlutionary, adjective

Other Words From

• ab·lution·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ablution¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin ablūtiōn- (stem of ablūtiō ), equivalent to ablūt ( us ), past participle of abluere ( abluent ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of ablution¹

C14: ultimately from Latin ablūere to wash away

Example Sentences

His elaborate morning ablutions with the hair and the make-up routine alone make any kind of imprisonment unthinkable.

From Salon

New York City’s estimated 275 mosques were among the first to host or counsel Muslim immigrants seeking shelter, halal food and water spigots used in pre-prayer ablutions.

From Seattle Times

“These powers were allegedly acquired by Buddhist priests who performed austerities in the mountains such as ablutions under freezing waterfalls, meditation in caves, and severe dietary restrictions during extended periods of seclusion.”

From National Geographic

Additionally, the ablution hall of one mosque was damaged inside, according to videos obtained by the group.

From Seattle Times

Muslims said it was part of a fountain in the “Wazukhana,” a small water reservoir used by Muslim devotees to perform ritual ablutions before offering prayers.

From Seattle Times