ablution
What is another word for ablution? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.
Noun — The act of washing oneself or something, often used in the plural as ablutions.
Antonyms
How to use ablution
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
morning ablutions
perform ablutions
ablutions block
ritual ablution
The word sounds formal or old-fashioned in everyday speech, and is more common in religious or literary contexts.
Etymology
Ablution came into English from Old French ablution, which itself derived from Late Latin ablūtiō, meaning a washing away. That Latin word comes from abluō, formed from the prefix meaning 'away' and a verb meaning 'to wash'.
Full origin of ablution →Frequently asked questions
What does ablution mean?
It means the act of washing, and is often used for washing the body, sometimes as part of a religious ritual.
Is ablution a religious word?
It can refer to ordinary washing, but it is also commonly used for ritual washing before prayer or worship in several religions.
Why is ablutions used in the plural in British military slang?
In UK military usage, 'ablutions' refers to the whole washing block or facilities, so it is treated as a plural noun.
