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 back hand sink also lacked soap and employees were washing hands at the ware washing sink. — Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Legal experts dispute Abbott’s claims that the ritual washing stations are discriminatory, with some saying his attack fits a pattern of anti-Muslim actions and rhetoric. — Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Mayne said the rule will require bar codes on every batch of produce, so contamination can be tracked within 24 hours to its source, whether that's a specific field or washing facility. — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

They are set to help with pot washing at the Oak Park Conservatory, take care of the vegetable garden at the Cheney Mansion in Oak Park and participate in a food drive for Oak Park’s Beyond Hunger pantry. — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 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