washbasin
C1 (low-frequency, mostly used in technical, property, or design contexts).Formal to neutral; technical/architectural in some contexts; somewhat dated in everyday speech.
Definition
Meaning
a fixed basin for washing one's hands and face, typically plumbed with taps for water and a drain.
A bathroom fixture; can also refer to the bowl-shaped receptacle itself, separate from its supporting pedestal or countertop.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically denotes a fixture for personal washing. Implies a fixed installation with plumbing. Not used for kitchen sinks or laundry basins.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
‘Washbasin’ is more common in UK English, especially in formal or property listings. In US English, ‘bathroom sink’ or simply ‘sink’ is overwhelmingly preferred.
Connotations
In the UK, it can sound slightly formal or technical. In the US, it may sound British or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Low in everyday US speech; moderate in UK formal/technical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The bathroom {features/contains/has} a washbasin.They {installed/fitted} a new washbasin.The {porcelain/stone} washbasin {was chipped/stayed clean}.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None directly. Related: "everything but the kitchen sink").”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in property listings, hotel descriptions, and plumbing supply catalogues.
Academic
Rare; might appear in architectural history or design papers.
Everyday
Used, but less frequently than ‘sink’ or ‘basin’.
Technical
Standard term in plumbing, building regulations, and sanitaryware manufacturing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable as an adjective)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The washbasin is in the bathroom.
- I clean the washbasin every week.
- The hotel room had a small washbasin but no shower.
- He turned on the tap over the washbasin.
- We need to replace the cracked washbasin in the guest toilet.
- The antique washbasin was made of marble.
- The architect specified wall-mounted washbasins to maximise floor space.
- Victorian washbasins often featured ornate porcelain designs.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: WASH + BASIN. You WASH your face in a BASIN fixed to the wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR CLEANLINESS (holds water for the act of washing).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not ‘раковина’ (which is more general for sink/basin). The Russian ‘умывальник’ is closer but also somewhat dated/technical.
- Confusion with ‘sink’ which in Russian is often ‘раковина’ for kitchen and bathroom.
Common Mistakes
- Using ‘washbasin’ for a kitchen sink (incorrect).
- Saying ‘I washed it in the washbasin’ instead of the more natural ‘...in the sink/basin’.
- Spelling as ‘wash basin’ (two words is acceptable but less standard).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is ‘washbasin’ MOST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In UK English, a ‘sink’ is typically in the kitchen, and a ‘washbasin’ is in the bathroom. In US English, ‘sink’ is used for both.
It is neutral to formal. In everyday conversation, especially in the US, ‘bathroom sink’ is more common.
A washbasin supported by a vertical column (pedestal) that conceals the plumbing.
Yes, if it is plumbed in for washing hands/face. The term focuses on function, not just mounting.