ENGLISH
REFERENCE

laundry

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //ˈɫɔndɹi// UK //lˈɔːndɹi// laun·dry Slang

n. clothes, sheets, and towels that need to be washed or have just been washed.

n. clothing and linens that require washing or have recently been laundered.


SIMPLE

I need to do my laundry this weekend.

CONTEXTUAL

She left the basket of clean laundry on the bed for her son to fold and put away.

COMPLEX

The hotel provides a comprehensive laundry service for guests, ensuring that garments are cleaned, pressed, and returned within twenty-four hours.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English lavendrie, from Old French lavanderie, from Latin lavandaria. See launder.

Usage

Commonly used with the verb 'do' ('do the laundry') to describe the act of washing clothes.

Pitfall

I have many laundries to washI have a lot of laundry to washLaundry is uncountable when referring to the clothes themselves; use 'loads of laundry' if you need to count batches.

Idioms4 entries

© 2026 English Reference