Definition

1. Noun:
   • A flat ring or disk used to prevent leakage or distribute pressure: A small, flat piece of metal, rubber, or plastic with a hole in the center, placed under a nut, bolt, or joint to create a tighter seal or to prevent damage to surfaces.
   • A home appliance for washing clothes: A machine designed to automatically clean laundry items like clothes and linens.
   • A person whose job is washing: An individual who washes things professionally, such as laundry or cars.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Sealing Disk):
  • The plumber replaced the old, corroded washer in the faucet to stop the drip.
  • Always use a washer under the bolt head to prevent it from loosening.
• Noun (Appliance):
  • She loaded the dirty clothes into the washer.
  • Modern washers are very energy-efficient.
• Noun (Person):
  • He worked as a window washer on the city's skyscrapers. (Note: This is a compound noun 'window washer'. The core meaning of 'washer' here is a person who washes.)

Advanced Usage

• "To throw a washer": In some contexts, like machinery, a worn-out washer can be said to be "thrown" if it fails or breaks.
  • The pump failed because a washer was thrown from the assembly.

Variants and Related Words

• Washing machine: A more common full term for the laundry appliance. (Compound noun)
• Window washer: A person who cleans windows, especially on buildings. (Compound noun)
• Pressure washer: A high-pressure water sprayer used for cleaning surfaces. (Compound noun)
• Washerless: (Adjective) Describing a faucet or fitting designed to function without a traditional sealing washer.

Synonyms

• Gasket: A flat sheet or ring used as a seal, similar to a washer.
• Launderer: A person who washes clothes, especially professionally.
• Cleaner: A general term for a person or machine that cleans.

Related Phrases

• Washer-dryer: A single appliance that both washes and dries clothes. (Compound noun)
• Lock washer: A specific type of washer designed to prevent a nut from loosening. (Compound noun)

Related Idioms

• To have a face like a washer: (Informal, regional) An idiom describing someone who looks very sad, gloomy, or displeased.
  • He came in with a face like a washer after hearing the bad news.

Noun

1. a home appliance for washing clothes and linens automatically
2. seal consisting of a flat disk placed to prevent leakage
3. someone who washes things for a living