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

The space then doubles as a mudroom for washing off and removing dirty clothes before putting a toe down in the main cabin. — New Atlas, 23 July 2026

Fabric bands are also comfortable but require regular washing. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

Keep in mind, though, that washing won’t necessarily remove all of the parasites from fruits and vegetables. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Going from washing once a day to twice a day drops the bacterial load on your skin dramatically. — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 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