washing

noun

wash·​ing ˈwȯ-shiŋ How to pronounce washing (audio)
ˈwä-
Synonyms of washingnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stone washing requires pumice stones, frictional abrasion and industrial washing machines to beat up and break down denim to a more desirable soft and vintage effect. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 Cyclospora is resistant to the chlorine and sanitizers commonly used to sanitize fresh produce, and routine washing may not completely remove the parasite. — Lisa Cuchara, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 Every camper is assigned a day to prep, cook and serve vegetarian meals to other campers and staff, which also involves washing dishes and cleanup. — Savita Patel, Mercury News, 26 July 2026 In short, yes, hand washing uses more water than a dishwasher. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for washing

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of washing was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing washing

Rhymes for washing

See All Rhymes for washing

Browse Nearby Words

washiness
washing
washing bottle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/washing. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

washing

noun
wash·​ing ˈwȯsh-iŋ How to pronounce washing (audio)
ˈwäsh-
: articles washed or to be washed

More from Merriam-Webster on washing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for washing

Nglish: Translation of washing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about washing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All