What is washing? Pronunciation and usage in English

washing means . Learn how to pronounce and use washing through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of washing

washingnoun

/ˈwɒʃɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of washing

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "washing." Here's a breakdown and a few options:

Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈwɑːʃɪŋ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

    • ˈwɑːʃ - This part is key. It sounds like "wash" (as in, to clean with soap) followed by a long "i" sound as in "machine." So, it's almost like "wash-ing."
    • ɪŋ - This is the ending, a short "i" sound like in "sit" followed by the "-ing" sound.

British English Pronunciation:

  • ˈwɒʃɪŋ (IPA)

    • ˈwɒʃ - Similar to American English, but the "o" sound is more like the "aw" in "law."
    • ɪŋ - Same as above.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Focus on the "wash" part: That's where most of the emphasis is.
  • The "i" sound: Make sure you’re saying the "i" as in "machine" or "bit" – not “ee” like in “see.”
  • The "-ing" sound: A simple "ing" sound at the end.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Which English dialect are you interested in (American English or British English)?

Usage and examples with the word washing in English

Let's break down how to use the word "washing" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Washing as a Verb (Action of Cleaning)

  • General Cleaning: This is the most common meaning. It refers to the act of cleaning something with water and soap.

    • "I'm washing the dishes." (Cleaning dishes)
    • "She's washing her car." (Cleaning a car)
    • "He needs to wash his hands." (Cleaning hands)
    • "Please wash the vegetables before you eat them." (Cleaning vegetables)

  • Specific Types of Washing:

    • Laundry washing: “I need to wash my clothes.” or “I'm washing the laundry.”
    • Hair washing: "She’s washing her hair."
    • Face washing: "He washes his face twice a day."
    • Silver washing: "They use a special solution for washing silver."
    • Piano washing: "The piano tuner needs to wash the piano keys." (Specifically cleaning the felt hammers)

2. Washing as a Noun (Things Related to Cleaning)

  • Laundry/Clothes: Refers to the items being cleaned.

    • "I need to buy some new washing powder." (Laundry detergent)
    • "Let's hang the washing to dry." (Clothes)

  • Cleaning Process/Operation:

    • "The factory uses a washing machine." (A device for washing clothes)
    • "The washing system is automated." (A system for cleaning)

  • A wash (a small amount): This is a less common usage, referring to a small quantity.

    • “He got a wash on his shirt.” (A small stain)

  • Washing (as in a natural deposit): This is a more specialized meaning, referring to a sediment or deposit on rocks or in geological contexts.

    • “The riverbed is covered in washing.” (A layer of sediment)

3. Washing as Part of a Phrasal Verb

Phrasal verbs significantly expand the ways you can use "washing." Here are a few examples:

  • Wash away: To remove something unpleasant or difficult.

    • "The rain seemed to wash away the dust."

  • Wash out: To fail or be ineffective.

    • "The marketing campaign didn't wash out."

  • Do the washing: To do the laundry.

  • Wash up: (British English) To wash oneself and dishes.

Here's a table summarizing the common uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb Cleaning with water and soap "I'm washing the kitchen."
Noun Laundry/Clothes "Let's put the washing in the machine."
Noun Cleaning process/operation "The washing machine is broken."
Noun Small amount/deposit (rare) “He got a wash on his cheek.”

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Synonyms for the word washing

Practice with vocabulary washing

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Proper hand ______ is crucial for preventing the spread of germs in healthcare settings.
  2. Regular ______ of laboratory equipment is essential to maintain accuracy and prevent contamination.
  3. The new machine offers an eco-friendly mode, significantly reducing water consumption during the ______ cycle.
  4. To ensure patient safety, all surgical instruments undergo thorough ______ after each use.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following actions is essential for removing dirt and grime from soiled fabrics? A) Drying B) Washing C) Ironing D) Folding

  2. The nurse demonstrated the correct technique for hand ______ to new staff members. A) sanitizing B) scrubbing C) washing D) disinfecting

  3. After the company picnic, volunteers helped with the ______ up of all the used crockery and cutlery. A) cleaning B) disposing C) washing D) organizing

  4. To ensure the complete removal of suds after a deep clean, the surface requires thorough ______. A) rinsing B) scrubbing C) drying D) polishing

  5. To achieve a spotless shine on metal surfaces, a final ______ with a soft cloth is often recommended. A) cleaning B) polishing C) scrubbing D) wiping

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Before packaging, the fruits and vegetables go through a thorough cleaning process. Rewrite using "washing" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The hotel staff are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of all linens and towels. Rewrite using "washing" or a related word form:

  3. Original: To eliminate all harmful bacteria, the equipment needs to be completely cleaned of germs. Rewrite without using "washing" or any related word forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. washing
  2. cleaning
  3. washing
  4. disinfection

Exercise 2:

  1. B) Washing
  2. C) Washing
  3. A) Cleaning, C) Washing
  4. A) Rinsing
  5. B) Polishing, D) Wiping

Exercise 3:

  1. Before packaging, the fruits and vegetables undergo thorough washing.
  2. The hotel staff are responsible for the regular washing of all linens and towels.
  3. To eliminate all harmful bacteria, the equipment needs complete sterilization.

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