# launder

/ˈɫɔndɝ/ (US) · /lˈɔːndɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/launder
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

to wash clothes or to clean something in a special way. In old stories, it can also mean to hide or cover up a crime.

For teachers: to wash or clean, typically referring to the process of washing clothes. In a literary or archaic context, it may also mean to conceal or cover up a crime or wrongdoing.

## Examples

- You should launder your clothes before the party.
- The hotel staff is responsible for laundering all the linens and towels used by the guests.
- The detective suspected that the suspect was trying to launder his ill-gotten gains through a series of shell companies and offshore accounts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.