washing machine

American

noun

an apparatus, especially a household appliance, for washing clothing, linens, etc.

washing machine British

noun

a mechanical apparatus, usually powered by electricity, for washing clothing, linens, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of washing machine

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The researchers conjectured that because washers and dryers are typically sold as pairs, retailers may have simply spread the washing machine cost increase between the two products to keep their prices similar.

From Los Angeles Times

The good news for appliance manufacturer Whirlpool WHR -1.49%decrease; red down pointing triangle is that when a refrigerator or washing machine breaks, homeowners generally purchase a new one.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It’s like you’re in a washing machine getting hit with sticks.”

From Los Angeles Times

Lily leads me into the basement, andI stop her halfway down the stairs when I hear Dad’s stressed voice above the dull rumble of the washing machine.

From Literature

On the side of a highway on the outskirts of Havana, vendors sell bags of charcoal and makeshift braziers, some fashioned from old washing machine drums.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023