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

There is also paint chipping and peeling above exterior door near ware washing area. — Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

Whether through wearing or washing, all garments release tiny microfibers. — Catherine Salfino, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

And, while some fancy dress outfits are a pain to clean, this costume is machine washable so there's no faff with hand washing. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Examples of moderate activity included brisk walking, light swimming, doubles tennis and household activities such as washing windows, vacuuming or mowing the lawn, the study release stated. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 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