launderette
B1informal, everyday
Definition
Meaning
A self-service establishment with coin-operated washing machines and dryers for public use.
A commercial premises, often open long hours, where individuals can wash and dry their own laundry using rented machines.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the physical location/business. The activity of using one is 'doing laundry at the launderette'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word 'launderette' is the standard and most common term in British English. In American English, 'laundromat' is overwhelmingly more common, though 'launderette' is understood.
Connotations
Neutral in UK; in US, 'launderette' might sound slightly British or old-fashioned.
Frequency
High frequency in UK everyday speech; low frequency in US, where 'laundromat' dominates.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
go to + launderettetake + something + to + launderetteuse + launderetteVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the commercial retail model, e.g., 'investing in a launderette franchise'.
Academic
Rare; may appear in sociological studies of urban living.
Everyday
Common for discussing domestic chores, especially among those without in-home appliances.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The launderette is next to the supermarket.
- I take my clothes to the launderette every week.
- The local launderette has new, energy-efficient dryers.
- I forgot my washing powder, but I could buy some at the launderette.
- Living in a small flat without a washing machine means the launderette on the high street is essential.
- He spent the afternoon reading a novel while his laundry cycled at the launderette.
- The proliferation of in-home appliances has led to a decline in the traditional urban launderette.
- The launderette served as an inadvertent community hub for residents of the apartment block.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LAUNDER (to wash clothes) + the suffix -ETTE (meaning a small version of something) = a small place for laundering.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LAUNDERETTE IS A PUBLIC UTILITY FOR CLOTHES.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'прачечная' (práchechnaya), which is a broader term encompassing both self-service establishments and full-service laundries. A 'прачечная' is more likely a professional laundry service.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'laundry' (the room or the activity).
- Using 'launderette' as a verb (e.g., 'I need to launderette my sheets' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is primarily used in American English for a self-service laundry facility?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the standard British English term. The American equivalent is 'Laundromat' (a trademark that became generic).
You can, and you will be understood, but it will immediately identify you as a British English speaker or someone using British terminology. 'Laundromat' is the natural choice in the US.
A 'laundry' is a general term for the room where washing is done (e.g., at home) or the process itself. A 'launderette' is specifically a public, self-service business with coin-operated machines.
No. The related verb is 'to launder' (meaning to wash clothes or, metaphorically, money). You cannot 'launderette' something.