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
This clever method provides a sleek solution to hide your dirty laundry while keeping everything organized in one place.
—
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
Instead of tossing dirty laundry in a corner of a bedroom, store it neatly in a wicker hamper that’s perfectly designed to fit in any 90-degree angle.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026
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, 19 Apr. 2026
Portnoy agreed that one of them just needs to air out their dirty laundry.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dirty laundry
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.
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
Instead of tossing dirty laundry in a corner of a bedroom, store it neatly in a wicker hamper that’s perfectly designed to fit in any 90-degree angle.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026
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, 19 Apr. 2026
Portnoy agreed that one of them just needs to air out their dirty laundry.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dirty laundry
Cite this Entry
“Dirty laundry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20laundry. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
