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.
Let the soap sit for 15 minutes before washing. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025 Once the washing is done, the drying system circulates warm air – 110 °F (43 °C) – through carpet fibers, drying up to 400 sq ft of carpet in around two hours. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025 Mike Hilborn, who owns a power washing and snow plowing company, believes, like Chen, that a bike trail on Summit is a non-starter. Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025 In 2005, Paris Hilton’s ad showed her washing a car in a bikini. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Washing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/washing. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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