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 Now Just washing produce doesn’t typically get rid of cyclospora, so the best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid food that could’ve been contaminated. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 July 2026

Basic food safety, like washing produce and hands, is crucial. — Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

That said, considering your own hair type is key, as reverse hair washing isn’t a one-size-fits-all method. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Now they’ve been summoned to the desert by the wanna-be mayor of Las Vegas, in a gesture that feels a little like advocacy but more like image-washing. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 July 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