washing

1 of 2

noun

wash·​ing ˈwȯ-shiŋ 

ˈwä-

1

: the act or action of one that cleanses with water

2

: material obtained by washing

3

: articles washed or to be washed : wash

washing

2 of 2

present participle of wash entry 1

Examples of washing in a Sentence

Noun

These shirts will look great even after repeated washings.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The company handles much of the processing and distribution of the produce it sources, including washing, chopping, packaging, labeling, shipping and refrigeration. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Seabrooke said that even day-to-day activities—like washing with too-hot water, heat damage, rough towel drying, and genetics—can all play into hair that’s more staticky than silky. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Incorporating silk into denim significantly reduces the stiffness typically associated with rigid constructions—qualities that mills have long pursued through loose weaves, lyocell blends, enzyme washing and more. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Skip washing cars when water conservation measures are needed. — Josh Rivera, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing washing

• do the washing-up
• front load/front-load washing machine
• put the washing out
• top-loading washing machine
• washing machine
• washing powder
• washing soda
• washing-up liquid

Rhymes for washing

• quashing
• sloshing
• squashing
• brainwashing
• handwashing
• whitewashing

Kids Definition

washing

noun

wash·​ing ˈwȯsh-iŋ 

ˈwäsh-

: articles washed or to be washed