rhizoverbBeta
DictionarywashCleaning with liquid
verb / noun

wash

WAHSH/wɑːʃ/

Cleaning with water or another liquid.

The man washes a dirty plate with a sudsy sponge.

An older man scrubs a dirty dinner plate with a sudsy sponge beneath running tap water, with visible food residue and a clean portion of the plate making the cleaning action clear.
Etymology
washOld Englishto cleanse, bathe

The Old English verb was used literally mainly for cleaning clothes. The modern sense keeps that basic activity of cleansing with liquid but applies it to many kinds of objects.

In context

OS Documentaries11:58
She also cleans the table where people eat with water she used to wash her hands.
EXTREME POVERTY, DANGER AND FEMALE WORKERS: UGANDA’S NOTORIOUS NEIGHBORHOOD 🇺🇬 - DOCUMENTARY

More examples

  • She washed the windows before the guests arrived.
  • The car needs a wash after the muddy trip.
  • We have washed all the towels.

Forms

wash · washes · washed · washing

washable adjective — Able to be cleaned by washing.

Similar words

clean
Broader; need not use liquid.
rinse
Flushes with liquid rather than scrubbing or using soap.