Word
washable
Phoneticswash·able
US/ˈwɑʃəbəɫ/
UK/wˈɒʃəbəl/
Definition
adj. able to be washed without damage or loss of colour. You use this for clothes, paint, and other materials that stay safe in water.
adj. capable of being washed without damage, shrinkage, or loss of colour. Often combined with 'machine' to specify suitability for machine washing.
Examples
“This shirt is washable and keeps its bright colour.”
“I only buy washable sofa covers because my kids spill juice all the time.”
“The gallery chose washable paint for the entrance hall, knowing thousands of visitors would brush against the walls each month.”
Examples
simple
“This shirt is washable and keeps its bright colour.”
contextual
“I only buy washable sofa covers because my kids spill juice all the time.”
complex
“The gallery chose washable paint for the entrance hall, knowing thousands of visitors would brush against the walls each month.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “washable” in context.
Verb
01. keep washable
“Follow the label to keep washable clothes looking new.”
verb + adj
02. remain washable
“The fabric will remain washable after many washes.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. easily washable
“The wall paint is easily washable with soap and water.”
adv + adj
04. fully washable
“The blanket is fully washable and keeps its soft colour.”
adv + adj
05. machine washable
“This sweater is machine washable, so you can wash it at home.”
noun + adj
Noun
06. washable cover
“This sofa has a washable cover you can remove easily.”
adj + noun
07. washable fabric
“The bag is made of strong washable fabric for daily use.”
adj + noun
08. comes with washable cover
“The sofa comes with a washable cover for easy cleaning.”
09. fully machine washable
“This duvet is fully machine washable at 40 degrees.”
10. made from washable fabric
“The curtains are made from washable fabric.”
11. safe washable paint for kids
“We chose safe washable paint for kids rooms.”
12. washable and reusable
“I buy washable and reusable bags for shopping.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often appears in phrases like 'machine washable'.
Real-World Examples
“It’s a shame that … it only has a washable dust filter, not Hepa air purification, even though there looks to be enough room for a larger filter.” “Some are machine washable; others may be hand-wash only.” “Walters looks aghast as Parton shows her around her tour bus, her collection of wigs and her “hand-washable and wrinkle-free” stage outfits (“you really like this?” “A quick wipe with a wet cloth and a rinse of the machine’s washable or removable parts after every use can save a lot of hassle.” Etymology
From wash + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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