wash
noun
Definitions of wash noun
cleaning
- A2CountableUsually singular
The act of cleaning something, or a part of the body, with water.
Those curtains require a thorough wash.
Erik needs a good wash after playing in the garden.
This shirt needs a wash.
layer
- Countable
A thin layer of water, or paint mixed with water, often applied lightly to soften lines in a painting.
A wash of blue.
I applied a light wash just as the paint was about to dry.
The watercolor needs a wash to blend all the colors.
balance
- CountableUsually singular
A situation where positive and negative effects or results neutralize each other.
If pollution controls are enforced here, factories will move to places where pollution is allowed, so it'll be a wash in terms of air quality.
The gains and losses from the investment were essentially a wash.
After all the calculations, the outcome of the deal was a wash.
sound
- Singularliterary
The sound of the sea moving against the shore or other surfaces.
She could hear the soft wash of the waves on the beach outside the apartment.
The constant wash of the sea against the rocks was soothing.
In the distance, they could hear the wash of the waves against the shore.
Phrases of wash noun
- do a wash
To clean clothes, sheets, and other items, typically using a washing machine.
• I need to do a few washes today.
- have a wash
To clean one's body or a specific part of it by washing.
• I have a wash every morning after I get up.
verb
Definitions of wash verb
clean
- A1Transitive
To clean something using water.
Wash your hair/hands.
Wash the car/clothes/floor.
These sheets need to be washed.
- A1Intransitive
To clean oneself, or a part of oneself, typically using water and soap.
I'd like to wash my hands before dinner.
She needed to wash up after the long journey.
You should wash before cooking.
flow
- IntransitiveVerb + adv/prepliterary
When water flows over a place, usually repeatedly.
She stood on the shore, letting the water wash over her tired feet.
The heavy rain washed over the streets.
The flood waters washed through the entire village.
Phrases of wash verb
- wash well
To describe a material or garment that withstands repeated washing without damage or deterioration.
• This fabric washes well; it looks like new after every wash.
- wash someone/something up/ashore/overboard
To be carried by the force of water, either towards or away from a particular location.
• The strong waves washed the small boat up onto the beach.
Idioms
- wash your hands of something
To intentionally disengage from or relinquish responsibility for something one was previously involved in.
• After the company's financial scandal broke, he decided to wash his hands of all company affairs.
- wash your dirty linen in public
To discuss private or embarrassing matters in public, often involving arguments or disagreements that should be kept confidential.
• They aired their dirty linen in public by arguing openly during the meeting.
- wash (with someone)
If an excuse or argument won't wash with someone, it means they are unlikely to believe or accept it; they will likely reject it.
• His excuse wouldn't wash with his parents; they already knew the truth.
- wash your mouth out (with soap/soapy water)
A humorous expression used to indicate that someone has used a rude or offensive word, often as a lighthearted reprimand.
• "You used that word? You better go wash your mouth out with soap!" Mom said jokingly.
Phrasal Verbs of wash
- wash up
to clean one's hands, particularly prior to eating
• Before the meal, remember to wash up. It's an important step for your health.
- wash something down
to cleanse a sizeable item or surface using a liquid
• While cleaning the kitchen, I washed down the cutting board and knives with water.
- wash something out
When an event or sports contest is canceled or halted prematurely due to heavy rainfall.
• The match scheduled for Saturday was washed out due to heavy rain.
- wash something away
When water or rain removes or carries something away.
• The heavy rain washed away our construction materials.
- wash off
to be removed from the surface of an object by using water
• It is common for artists to wash off paint using water to clean the canvas.
- wash (something) up
to wash the dishes, pots, and other utensils that have been used for cooking and dining
• After the meal, we usually need to wash up the dishes.
- wash something off
to get rid of something by using running water
• He washed the grease off his hands in the bathroom.
- wash (something) out
When a color or stain is removed through washing, or if you wash it out, it becomes absent after cleaning.
• I accidentally spilled red ink on my white shirt, hoping to wash it out in the washing machine.