dirty laundry

noun

: 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.
Dating from around May 26, 1593, this is a dirty laundry list of allegations, either written or dictated by Baines. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 Leaving clean laundry in the dryer or hamper only puts off a chore until later, keeps clean clothes from its proper place, and also risks wrinkles or someone accidentally mistaking it for dirty laundry instead. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025 Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google. BERLIN—The robot vacuum industry is full steam ahead here at IFA 2025, with bots that can climb stairs and pick up your dirty laundry. PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025 For astronauts, dirty laundry has always been a major issue in space. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dirty laundry

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dirty laundry was in 1967

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Cite this Entry

“Dirty laundry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20laundry. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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