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

What To Do With Cut Peaches Once cut after washing, peaches exposed to oxygen will eventually start to turn brown. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

Some people prefer to run the dishwasher before bed and unload it in the morning, while others opt for washing and air-drying overnight. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2026

Just don’t overdo it—aggressive or too-frequent washing (especially using soap multiple times per day) can dry out the skin, even in the summer months. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 5 June 2026

Here, fat-washing, clarification, and ultrasonic processing are standard prep. —Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 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