washing

noun

wash·​ing ˈwȯ-shiŋ How to pronounce washing (audio)
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
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.
The health inspectors observed various hazards like dirty food contact surfaces, toxic chemicals which are not approved for use in a food facility, inadequate hand washing supplies, and employees without accredited food handler certification. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Jan. 2025 This includes showering, hand washing, drinking, food preparation or washing dishes. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 Think of it like the odd pleasure of power washing or neatly filling out an adult coloring book. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025 Murphy-Rose recommends a rich formula and to avoid excessive hand washing—L’Occitane’s is my personal favorite and always at my bedside, but CeraVe’s is also very reparative. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near washing

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/washing. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

washing

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