machine-wash
B1Semi-formal to informal, primarily instructional/descriptive.
Definition
Meaning
to clean something (typically fabric) using a mechanical washing machine.
As an adjective, describes an item of clothing or fabric that is safe to be cleaned in a washing machine, according to its care label. The action or instruction itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive phrasal verb or a compound adjective. In adjective form, often hyphenated. The focus is on the method (machine) vs. the alternative (hand-wash).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. The compound is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and practical in both.
Frequency
Equally common in both, associated with clothing care labels and instructions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] machine-washes [Object][Object] is machine-washableYou can machine-wash [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
On product specifications and care labels for textiles and garments.
Academic
Rare; may appear in material science or consumer studies contexts.
Everyday
Common in conversations about laundry, shopping for clothes, and reading care instructions.
Technical
Used in textile manufacturing, garment care standards, and appliance manuals.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You can machine-wash this jumper at 30 degrees.
- Always machine-wash dark colours separately.
American English
- The tag says you can machine-wash this shirt in cold water.
- I need to machine-wash these new towels before using them.
adjective
British English
- Look for machine-washable curtains; they're much more practical.
- Is this cushion cover machine-wash?
American English
- All our bedding is machine-washable for easy care.
- The label says 'machine-wash warm,' so don't use hot water.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My new T-shirt is machine-washable.
- Can I machine-wash this?
- The instructions clearly state to machine-wash on a delicate cycle.
- I always check if a garment is machine-washable before I buy it.
- Despite its delicate appearance, the lace is surprisingly machine-washable at a low temperature.
- You should machine-wash new, brightly coloured items separately to avoid dye transfer.
- The manufacturer's guarantee is void if you fail to machine-wash the item according to the specified care label.
- Advances in fabric technology have rendered many previously 'dry-clean only' materials safely machine-washable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a washing MACHINE doing the WASH for you.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING IS A MECHANICAL PROCESS (vs. a manual one).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like *'machine-wash'* as a single verb. Use constructions like 'стирать в машинке' or 'машинная стирка'. The adjective 'machine-washable' translates as 'можно стирать в стиральной машине'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'I'll give it a machine-wash') is non-standard. Incorrect: 'This is machine-wash.' Correct: 'This is machine-washable.'
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct adjectival form to describe a fabric that can be cleaned in a washing machine?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically hyphenated, especially when used as a compound adjective (machine-washable) or verb. The unhyphenated form 'machine wash' is also seen, but the hyphenated version is more standard in instructional contexts.
The direct opposite is 'hand-wash,' meaning to clean by hand in a sink or basin. Another related antonym is 'dry-clean,' which is a professional chemical cleaning process.
No, it is not standard. While you might hear 'give it a machine wash' informally, the correct nominal form is 'machine washing' or simply 'a wash in the machine.' The standard terms are the verb 'to machine-wash' and the adjective 'machine-washable.'
Yes. 'Machine-wash' refers to the cleaning process in a washing machine. 'Tumble dry' refers to the drying process in a separate machine called a tumble dryer (or just dryer). They are separate care instructions.