washable
B2Neutral to formal; common in commercial/consumer contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Capable of being washed, especially without damage.
Specifically denotes that an item (typically fabric, material, or surface) can be cleaned with water and usually soap, and is designed to withstand this process without losing its properties, color, or shape.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective. Implies a positive, designed feature. Often used on care labels. Not typically used for people or animals ('washable dog' would be non-standard/humorous).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. The concept is identical.
Connotations
Neutral in both, associated with practicality and convenience.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[BE] washable[NOUN] is washablewashable [NOUN]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in product descriptions, marketing, and care instructions for textiles, apparel, and home furnishings.
Academic
Rare; might appear in materials science or textile engineering papers.
Everyday
Common when discussing clothing, soft toys, curtains, or upholstery care.
Technical
Used on care labels with specific temperature symbols (e.g., 'washable at 30°C').
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The new sofa covers are fully washable at 40 degrees.
- Look for washable paints for the nursery.
American English
- These sneakers are machine washable, which is so convenient.
- The label says the jacket is hand washable only.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This T-shirt is washable.
- My bag is not washable.
- I always buy washable curtains because they're easier to clean.
- Is this marker washable? I don't want stains on the table.
- The manufacturer guarantees that the colour remains vibrant even after the garment has been washable dozens of times.
- For families with young children, washable sofa fabrics are a practical necessity.
- The new generation of washable silk blends has revolutionised the luxury casualwear market.
- His argument, while persuasive, proved to be anything but washable under the scrutiny of peer review.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'WASH' + 'ABLE' = ABLE to be WASHed. Just like 'breakable' means able to be broken.
Conceptual Metaphor
DURABILITY IS CLEANABILITY (A robust item can endure the process of cleansing).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque like 'моемый' for fabrics; 'стирающийся' or 'пригодный для стирки' is better. Do not confuse with 'водостойкий' (water-resistant).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will washable it').
- Over-applying to non-fabric items (e.g., 'a washable phone').
- Confusing 'washable' with 'waterproof'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common context for the word 'washable'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can describe any item designed to withstand washing, including toys, paint, keyboards, and some types of wallpaper.
It means the item can be cleaned safely in a domestic washing machine, as opposed to requiring hand washing or dry cleaning.
Very rarely and not in standard usage. It is almost exclusively an adjective.
In practical terms, 'dry-clean only' is the most common opposite on care labels. 'Non-washable' is a direct antonym.