washing
Cleaning something with water (often with soap).
The act or process of cleaning something using water, often with soap or detergent.
Clothes that need to be washed.
Clothes and other items that are being washed or that need to be washed; laundry.
One load of clothes in the washing machine.
A single batch or load of clothes washed at one time.
Used to describe things for washing (especially clothes).
Used before a noun to describe something connected with washing, especially washing clothes.
In science, rinsing something to remove impurities.
In technical or lab contexts, the process of rinsing a substance with liquid to remove unwanted material from its surface or from a mixture.
- Base: washing
- Plural: washing, washings
air your dirty washing in public
1share private problems publicly
To talk about private problems where everyone can hear.
- They’re always airing their dirty washing in public on social media.
- I don’t want to air our dirty washing in public—let’s discuss this privately.
- The interview turned into an awkward moment of dirty-washing-in-public.
do the washing
1wash clothes and laundry
To wash your clothes.
- I usually do the washing on Saturdays.
- Can you do the washing while I cook dinner?
- He did the washing and hung everything outside to dry.
- I do the washing on Sunday.
hang out the washing
1put wet clothes to dry
To put wet clothes on a line to dry.
- It’s sunny, so I’m going to hang out the washing.
- She hung out the washing before she left the house.
- Don’t hang out the washing if it looks like rain.
- I hang out the washing in the garden.
wash your hands of [something/someone]
1refuse responsibility for something
To say you are no longer responsible.
- After months of arguments, she washed her hands of the project.
- The company tried to wash its hands of the problem.
- He washed his hands of the whole affair and walked away.
washing line
1line for drying clothes
A line used to dry clothes outside.
- She pegged the sheets onto the washing line.
- The washing line snapped in the strong wind.
- If it stays sunny, the towels will dry quickly on the washing line.
- I hang my clothes on the washing line.
washing machine
1machine that washes clothes
A machine for washing clothes.
- The washing machine is leaking water onto the floor.
- I left my keys in my pocket and put them in the washing machine by mistake.
- We need a new washing machine because this one doesn’t spin properly.
- My washing machine is very old.
washing up
1washing dishes after eating
Washing the dishes.
- I’ll do the washing up if you dry and put everything away.
- There’s a lot of washing up after a dinner party.
- He hates washing up, so he bought a dishwasher.
- I will do the washing up.
washing-up liquid
1liquid soap for dishes
Liquid soap for washing dishes.
- We’re out of washing-up liquid, so the plates will have to wait.
- Add a few drops of washing-up liquid to the bowl.
- This washing-up liquid is gentle on your hands.
- I bought washing-up liquid.