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noun

ablution

uh-BLOO-shuhn
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Ablution (noun) means the act of washing oneself or something, often used in the plural as ablutions. Example: “He finished his morning ablutions before heading to work.”

noun
1
literary The act of washing oneself or something, often used in the plural as ablutions.
"He finished his morning ablutions before heading to work."
"Ablutions after the long hike took a good hour."
"She performed her ablutions quickly before breakfast."
2
A ritual washing of the body performed as part of religious practice, such as before prayer.
"Muslims perform ablutions before each of the five daily prayers."
"The temple provided a basin for ablutions before entry."
"Ritual ablution is an important part of the ceremony."
3
British, military In British military use, a building containing showers and basins for washing.
"The recruits queued outside the ablutions block at dawn."
"New arrivals were shown to the ablutions first."
"The ablutions were cleaned and inspected every morning."

How to use ablution

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAblution simply means washing, whether it is everyday cleaning up or a religious ritual.

When to use it

The word sounds formal or old-fashioned in everyday speech, and is more common in religious or literary contexts.

Memory tip

In casual conversation, English speakers usually just say 'wash up' rather than 'perform my ablutions', which sounds humorous or formal.

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Common pairings
morning ablutions perform ablutions ablutions block ritual ablution
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He finished his morning _____ before heading to work.

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'.

Origin: Old French

Antonyms

contamination pollution defilement

Related words

corruption infection conservation pollution poisoning contamination purification distillation

Rhymes for ablution

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of ablution?
"ablution" (noun) means the act of washing oneself or something, often used in the plural as ablutions.

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