# washer

/ˈwɑʃɝ/ (US) · /wˈɒʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/washer
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a machine used for cleaning clothes or dishes. It can also mean a small, flat ring of metal or plastic used to make a bolt or screw fit more tightly.

For teachers: a household appliance designed for laundering clothes or linens. Also refers to a thin, flat ring used in mechanical assemblies to distribute the load of a threaded fastener or prevent leakage.

## Examples

- I need to put a load of towels in the washer.
- The repairman replaced a worn rubber washer to stop the kitchen faucet from leaking.
- While the industrial-sized washer handled the heavy linens, the technician inspected the plumbing assembly to ensure every metal washer was seated correctly against the valve housing.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as a shorthand for 'washing machine' in North American English.

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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.