noun Uncommon

washer

WO-shuh

Washer (noun) means a machine that washes things, especially a washing machine or dishwasher. Example: “The washer finished its cycle just as we got home.”

noun

A machine that washes things, especially a washing machine or dishwasher.

"The washer finished its cycle just as we got home."

A thin, flat ring, usually metal or rubber, placed under a nut or bolt to spread pressure and stop leaks or loosening.

"Add a rubber washer to the tap to stop the drip."

"The bolt kept working loose until we fitted a washer."

How to use washer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a washing machine, or a small flat ring fitted under a bolt or nut.

Common pairings

a rubber washer front-loading washer washer and dryer

Word forms

washered past tense, washers plural, washers plural, Washers plural, washers singular

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The _____ finished its cycle just as we got home.

Etymology

From Middle English wasshere, formed from wash plus the agent suffix -er.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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washing machine automatic washer

Rhymes for washer

Asher dasher basher flasher slasher smasher crasher dishwasher

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Frequently asked questions

What does “washer” mean?

The word “washer” means a machine that washes things, especially a washing machine or dishwasher. In plain terms, either a washing machine, or a small flat ring fitted under a bolt or nut.

How do you pronounce “washer”?

“Washer” is pronounced WO-shuh (/ˈwɑʃɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “washer” in a sentence?

Here is “washer” used in a sentence: “The washer finished its cycle just as we got home.”

What part of speech is “washer”?

“Washer” is a noun.

Where does the word “washer” come from?

The word “washer” comes from Middle English. From Middle English wasshere, formed from wash plus the agent suffix -er.

Is “washer” a common word?

“Washer” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “washer” have?

“Washer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a machine that washes things, especially a washing machine or dishwasher.