white goods

plural noun

1. household goods, as bed sheets, tablecloths, and towels, formerly bleached and finished in white but now often patterned and colored.
2. bleached goods, especially cotton or linen fabrics.
3. large household appliances, as refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines.
4. alcoholic liquors that are manufactured without color, as vodka, gin, and tequila.

white goods

plural noun

1. marketing large household appliances, such as refrigerators, cookers Compare brown goods
2. household linen such as sheets, towels, tablecloths, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of white goods¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Ben said the house, which he moved into in September, did not contain any white goods, like a washing machine or fridge.

From BBC

One business told the BBC that increased costs were likely to feed through to the price of big-ticket items such as white goods.

From BBC

It sold off a slew of businesses including mobile phones, medical systems and white goods.

From BBC

"We're replacing all her white goods, beds and mattresses and have offered to pay for her clothes to be laundered. We'll continue to closely support Ms Richards until she is settled into her home."

From BBC

"We've lost a number of appliances, washing machines, dishwashers, those kind of white goods, and it just kind of upends your life."

From BBC