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

Cold washing can benefit fragrance as well. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026

Japanese hair washing might be the secret to growth, but the Shu Uemura hair mask can turn back time on the signs of damage. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026

Over time, washing towels with fabric softener can create a film buildup that makes your towels less absorbent and take longer to dry. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026

Staff lack knowledge of proper handwashing and ware washing procedures. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado updated January 23, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 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