washing machine
B1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
A household appliance that automatically washes laundry, typically consisting of a drum that rotates with water and detergent.
A domestic or industrial appliance for cleaning textiles through a programmed cycle of soaking, washing, rinsing, and often spinning.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A prototypical example of a 'machine' in domestic contexts; often implies automation and a standardised cycle. Can be used metonymically to refer to the laundry process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical. Regional synonyms exist but are less common ('washer', 'laundry machine').
Connotations
None.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties. 'Washer' is more common in American informal speech, while 'washing machine' remains the standard term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] + [VERB] + the washing machineThere is a washing machine + [LOCATION][DET] + washing machine + [VERB]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this term. It appears in similes, e.g., 'sound like a washing machine on spin cycle.']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In retail or manufacturing: 'Our new line of washing machines features AI-powered load detection.'
Academic
In studies of domestic technology or energy consumption: 'The adoption of the washing machine significantly reduced domestic labour hours.'
Everyday
The most common context: 'I need to run a quick wash before we leave.'
Technical
In engineering or repair manuals: 'Diagnostic code E3 indicates a water inlet valve fault in the washing machine.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. The action is 'to machine-wash': 'This jumper can be machine-washed.'.
American English
- [No standard verb form. The action is 'to machine-wash' or 'to put in the washer': 'Make sure you machine-wash those towels.'.
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form.]
American English
- [No adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. The compound acts attributively: 'washing machine repairman', 'washing machine settings'.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. The compound acts attributively: 'washing machine warranty', 'washing machine hose'.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The washing machine is in the kitchen.
- My mother uses the washing machine every day.
- I think the washing machine is broken because it's making a loud noise.
- Can you put your clothes in the washing machine, please?
- We opted for a washing machine with a higher energy efficiency rating to reduce our bills.
- After the spin cycle, the clothes come out of the washing machine almost dry.
- The invention of the automatic washing machine revolutionized domestic labour in the mid-20th century.
- Modern washing machines can be programmed remotely via a smartphone app.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a machine that does the washing FOR you. It's a WASH-ING (the action) MACHINE (the device).
Conceptual Metaphor
DOMESTIC LABOUR IS INDUSTRIAL PROCESS; THE HOME IS A FACTORY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing the Russian structure '*стиральная машинка*' as 'washing little machine' or 'washer machine'. The standard term is 'washing machine' or 'washer'.
- Do not confuse with 'dishwasher'. 'Washing machine' is only for clothes/laundry.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'washing machines' (correct). Not 'washing machine' for plural.
- Incorrect article use: 'I put it in washing machine.' (Should be 'the washing machine' or 'a washing machine').
- Spelling error: 'washing mashine'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common synonym for 'washing machine' in informal American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A washing machine cleans clothes using water and detergent. A dryer (or tumble dryer) removes water from clothes after washing by using heat and air.
No, it's not standard. The correct terms are 'washing machine' or, informally, just 'washer' (especially in US English). 'Washer machine' is redundant.
No. The action is expressed as 'to machine-wash' (e.g., 'This label says you should machine-wash it warm') or with a phrase like 'put in the washing machine'.
No. 'Laundry' refers to the dirty clothes themselves or the process/room for washing. A 'washing machine' is the specific appliance that performs the washing.