WordLens

wash

1 of 2verb
/wɑʃ/
Forms:washes,washing,washed,washed
1

to clean someone or something with water, often with a type of soap

A1transitive
  • I always wash my hands before eating.
  • I need to wash my shoes; they are dirty.
  • I usually wash my car at the car wash.
  • They decided to wash their dog in the bathtub.
  • We should wash the vegetables before cooking.
Synonyms:
rinse
2

to cleanse oneself or part of one's body with water and often soap or other cleaning product

transitive
  • She always washes her hands thoroughly before meals.
  • He washed his face with cold water to wake up.
  • After playing outside, the children needed to wash their feet before entering the house.
  • She likes to wash her hair every other day to keep it healthy.
  • Before performing surgery, doctors must wash their hands and arms extensively.
Synonyms:
lave
3

to be carried along or moved by the action of water

  • The debris washed down the river during the heavy rainstorm.
  • After the tide came in, seashells washed onto the shore.
  • The floodwaters washed away the bridge, leaving it impassable.
  • The boat washed up on the beach after the storm.
  • The currents washed the seaweed to different parts of the coastline.
4

(of an animal) to clean itself or another animal by licking

transitive
  • The mother cat washed her kittens by gently licking their fur.
  • Birds often wash themselves by preening their feathers with their beaks.
  • The dog washed its paws by licking them after a walk in the park.
  • Monkeys can be seen washing each other by grooming and licking.
  • The lioness washed her cubs to keep them clean and free of parasites.
5

to clean a surface or item by using water and detergent to remove dirt

transitive
  • She washed the stain off her shirt using soap and water.
  • The laundry detergent helped wash the dirt off the white towels.
  • She washed the stains off her favorite jacket with some soap and water.
  • He washed the grease off his hands after working on the car.
  • The paint splatters were washed off the floor using a scrub brush.
Synonyms:
wash awaywash outwash off
6

to make something moist or damp, often by lightly sprinkling or applying a small amount of liquid

transitive
  • The gardener washed the soil with a gentle spray of water to prepare it for planting.
  • The chef washed the cake layers with syrup to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • The painter washed the canvas with a thin layer of water before starting his work.
  • The nurse washed the bandage with antiseptic to clean the wound area.
  • The baker washed the dough with a milk glaze to give it a shiny finish.
Synonyms:
moistendampen
7

to shape, form, or wear away a surface through the gradual action of water or other natural forces, leading to erosion

transitive
  • The river has washed the rocks smooth over thousands of years.
  • Waves continually wash the coastline, gradually eroding the cliffs.
  • The floodwaters washed away the topsoil, leaving the land barren.
  • The canyon was washed deeper by the persistent flow of the stream.
  • The ancient ruins were slowly washed by the elements, creating weathered textures.
8

to separate metallic particles from earth or gravel by using water to carry away the lighter materials

transitive
  • The miners washed the dirt and rocks to reveal the precious metals hidden within.
  • In the creek, he carefully washed the gravel to find traces of gold.
  • They spent hours washing the gravel, hoping to find valuable nuggets.
  • She watched as the workers washed the stones, hoping to find hidden gems.
  • The technique used to wash the soil allows the gold to settle at the bottom.
9

to apply a thin, translucent layer of paint, metal, or other material to a surface

transitive
  • The artist washed the canvas with a light blue hue to create a soft background.
  • To achieve the desired effect, the craftsman washed the metal surface with a thin layer of gold.
  • The decorator washed the walls with a subtle glaze to add texture and depth.
  • The furniture maker washed the wooden table with a stain to enhance its natural grain.
  • The technician washed the components with a protective coating to prevent corrosion.
10

to go through the process of being cleaned, typically by washing with water and detergent

  • The clothes will wash well in the new machine.
  • The sheets will wash easily in cold water.
  • This fabric can wash without shrinking.
  • The new fabric softener helps everything wash more smoothly.
  • The bedding should wash without any problems.