wash down

verb

washed down; washing down; washes down

transitive verb

1
: to move or carry downward by action of a liquid
especially : to facilitate the passage of (food) down the gullet with accompanying swallows of liquid
pizza washed down with beer
2
: to wash the whole length or extent of
washed down and scrubbed the front porch

Examples of wash down in a Sentence

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.
Giant trees were uprooted, lots of equipment, benches and picnic tables were washed down the river. Mireya Villarreal, ABC News, 19 July 2025 For the collection, Goldschmied used Pioneer Denim’s rigid and stretch fabrics made with cotton sourced in Africa and indigo that easily washes down. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 June 2025 Everything is tied together with a rainbow assortment of sauces and can be washed down with 14 craft beers, house cocktails and specialty teas. Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 4 June 2025 For those looking to wash down their new wrap meal, Blueberry Lemonade, Blueberry Cane Sweet Tea, and Blueberry Unsweet Tea will also be joining the menu. Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wash down

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wash down was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Wash down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wash%20down. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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