washboard

noun

wash·​board ˈwȯsh-ˌbȯrd 

ˈwäsh-

1

: a broad thin plank along a gunwale or on the sill of a lower deck port to keep out the sea

2

: baseboard

3

a

: a corrugated rectangular surface that is used for scrubbing clothes or as a percussion instrument

b

: a road or pavement so worn by traffic as to be corrugated transversely

c

: an abdominal area characterized by prominent and well-defined musculature

—usually used attributively

a bodybuilder with washboard abs

a washboard stomach

Examples of washboard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Clifton’s older brother, Cleveland, played the washboard and later the rubboard. —Reya Hart, The Atlantic, 15 June 2025

Most of us, thankfully, don’t need to invest hours washing our clothes on a washboard or hours each day cooking. —Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

In the photos, the actor stripped down to a bright yellow Speedo and cowboy boots, showing off his washboard abs. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 12 May 2025

When the washing machine replaced the washboard, people everywhere rejoiced. —Joe Salas, New Atlas, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for washboard

• abhorred
• aboard
• accord
• adored
• afford
• award
• baseboard
• billboard
• blackboard
• boxboard
• breadboard
• broadsword

Kids Definition

washboard

noun

wash·​board ˈwȯsh-ˌbō(ə)rd 

ˈwäsh-,

-ˌbȯ(ə)rd

: a grooved board to scrub clothes on