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

There have also been reports of velella washing up in Carlsbad. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

In my world, the dirty plates should be cleared, but the actual washing of the dishes waits until everyone is finished. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 1 May 2026

Tongs used for raw chicken were being used to transfer sauce from the prep top insert without prior washing, rinsing and sanitizing. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

Simple precautions such as hand washing and avoiding kissing birds can reduce the risk of infection from backyard flocks. —Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 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