dishwasher: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “dishwasher” mean?
A household appliance designed for cleaning dishes, cutlery, and cookware automatically.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A household appliance designed for cleaning dishes, cutlery, and cookware automatically.
A person whose job is to wash dishes, typically in a restaurant or kitchen. Also refers to a liquid detergent used in such a machine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Slight preference for 'dishwasher detergent/tablets' (US) vs 'dishwasher powder/liquid/tablets' (UK).
Connotations
Identical for the machine. The 'person' meaning can sound slightly informal or old-fashioned in both varieties.
Frequency
The appliance meaning is equally common in both. The 'person' meaning is less frequent and declining.
Grammar
How to Use “dishwasher” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] dishwasher VERB-ed the dishes.We need to VERB the dishwasher.Is this bowl dishwasher-safe?Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dishwasher” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Dishwasher? I'll just wash up by hand.
- These plates aren't dishwashered very often.
American English
- We should dishwasher these pots.
- I never dishwasher my good knives.
adverb
British English
- This cleans dishes dishwasher-clean. (rare/compound adjective-like)
American English
- It washes dishwasher-clean every time. (rare)
adjective
British English
- Make sure it's a dishwasher-safe container.
- A dishwasher-dried finish.
American English
- Is this mug dishwasher safe?
- Dishwasher-clean glasses.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail or manufacturing: 'Sales of integrated dishwashers rose by 15%.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in engineering, design, or domestic history studies.
Everyday
Very common: 'Can you put your plate in the dishwasher?'
Technical
In appliance manuals or repair: 'The dishwasher's inlet valve may be clogged.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dishwasher”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dishwasher”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dishwasher”
- *Put it in the washing machine for dishes. (Use 'dishwasher'.)
- Incorrect compound spelling: *'dish-washer' or 'dish washer'. (Standard is one word.)
- Using 'dishwasher' for a person in formal writing without clarification.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, compound word: 'dishwasher'. 'Dish washer' (two words) is non-standard.
It means an item (plate, cup, etc.) is designed to withstand the heat and water pressure of a dishwasher without being damaged.
Yes, but this is less common today. In modern professional kitchens, terms like 'kitchen assistant' or 'pot washer' are often preferred.
Dishwasher detergent is specifically formulated for use in a machine, creating low-suds. Dish soap (for hand washing) creates high suds and can damage a dishwasher.
A household appliance designed for cleaning dishes, cutlery, and cookware automatically.
Dishwasher is usually neutral in register.
Dishwasher: in British English it is pronounced ˈdɪʃˌwɒʃə(r), and in American English it is pronounced ˈdɪʃˌwɑːʃɚ. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) boring as watching a dishwasher cycle (humorous, modern)”
- “He's a human dishwasher (informal, implying someone who eats everything).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of its function: it's a **washer** for **dishes**. It 'washes dishes' in one word.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ROBOT SERVANT (it performs a tedious chore automatically).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'dishwasher' used to refer to a person?