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noun

washout

WO-showt

Washout (noun) means Damage or a channel caused when a rush of water erodes soil, a road, or a railway line. Example: “A washout closed the mountain road for three days.”

noun
1
Damage or a channel caused when a rush of water erodes soil, a road, or a railway line.
"A washout closed the mountain road for three days."
2
An event that is cancelled or ruined by rain.
"The whole festival was a washout this year."
3
(informal) A complete failure, or a person who has failed to succeed at something.
"The project turned out to be a total washout."
"He dropped out of pilot training, calling himself a washout."

How to use washout

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA failure or ruin caused by rain, or more generally, any total flop.

When to use it

Informal, especially the "failure/person who failed" sense.

Word forms

washouts plural

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A _____ closed the mountain road for three days.

Etymology

Formed from the phrasal verb "wash out."

Related words

Rhymes for washout

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Frequently asked questions

What does “washout” mean?

The word “washout” means damage or a channel caused when a rush of water erodes soil, a road, or a railway line. In plain terms, a failure or ruin caused by rain, or more generally, any total flop.

How do you pronounce “washout”?

“Washout” is pronounced WO-showt (/ˈwɔʃˌaʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “washout” in a sentence?

Here is “washout” used in a sentence: “A washout closed the mountain road for three days.”

What part of speech is “washout”?

“Washout” is a noun.

How many meanings does “washout” have?

“Washout” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: damage or a channel caused when a rush of water erodes soil, a road, or a railway line.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial