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

Jayme Patton has spent five years washing dishes at various restaurants in the Tucson, Ariz., area.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"If the floors needed washing, we would have to get down on our hands and knees, even though we were pregnant," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Lapid, who has frequently criticised the Israeli government, says he understands the wave of anti-Israel feeling washing around parts of the world.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

One concern is that washing could create a lead-containing residue inside machines, which might need to be cleaned to prevent releasing contamination into wastewater.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Mim dropped the key into a turquoise-colored bowl before washing her hands in the sink.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking