washing

1 of 2

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

washing

2 of 2

present participle of wash entry 1

Examples of washing in a Sentence

Noun

These shirts will look great even after repeated washings.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

According to Ziata, washing arugula ahead of time will introduce unwanted moisture, which will increase the rate of spoilage or shorten the leafy green’s shelf life. — Molly Allen, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026

Sanitizer bucket stored in handwashing sink in ware washing area. — Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Employees lacked knowledge on proper ware washing and sanitizing steps. — Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Olymp said washing reactivates the finish, allowing the garments to maintain their odor-control properties over time. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing washing

• do the washing-up
• front load/front-load washing machine
• put the washing out
• top-loading washing machine
• 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