dirty laundry

noun

Synonyms of dirty laundrynext
: private matters whose public exposure brings distress and embarrassment

called also dirty linen

Examples of dirty laundry in a Sentence

The company is trying to keep its dirty laundry from being aired in public.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The backpack itself is crafted from a durable, water-resistant, anti-abrasion material, and includes a wet pocket for separating damp items or dirty laundry. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 But his messages about Childress and SRX — a startup series NASCAR viewed as a possible threat — made for a difficult pathway for Phelps to move forward after the trial aired so much dirty laundry. Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026 Most of these grudge matches play out in podcast appearances, where comedians air their dirty laundry via stream-of-consciousness rants. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025 Shoes and dirty laundry can quickly cause your closet to smell, so consider storing these elsewhere. Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dirty laundry

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dirty laundry was in 1863

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Cite this Entry

“Dirty laundry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20laundry. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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