washing

[ wosh-ing, waw-shing ]

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 ( def 46 ).
7. the act of making a wash sale.

washing

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of washing¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, washing is from the Middle English word wasschunge. See wash, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Semiconductors are central to powering everything from washing machines to iPhones, and military jets to electric vehicles.

From BBC

In the homeware section, firms displayed everything from washing machines to tumble dryers, electric toothbrushes to juicers and waffle makers.

From BBC

In other words, once Trump’s immigration and justice authorities deposited Garcia on the soil of El Salvador, they felt justified in washing their hands of him, despite their admission that his deportation was “illegal.”

From Salon

McIlroy first made headlines in Northern Ireland as a kid when he went on local television and nonchalantly chipped golf balls into a washing machine.

From BBC

After the housing association organised washing the mould off, the problems "quickly returned", they added.

From BBC