washing

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

Examples of washing in a Sentence

These shirts will look great even after repeated washings.

Recent Examples on the Web

If this is an issue, try to warm your hands before washing and testing. — Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 30 June 2026

At the low end, a dog washing station is a hose, a spray nozzle and somewhere to clip the leash. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Even something as simple as packing your lunch, washing fruit, prepping overnight oats, or deciding what's for dinner the next day can help. — Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 June 2026

The physical activity could be slow walking or a household chore such as ironing or washing dishes. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing washing

• do the washing-up
• put the washing out
• 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