washing-up

/'wɔʃiɳ'ʌp/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
washing-up

She does the washing-up after dinner.

Definition

Noun 1. The act of cleaning used dishes, cutlery, pots, and pans after a meal: This refers specifically to the domestic chore of washing items used for cooking and eating. 2. The dirty dishes and other items that need to be cleaned after a meal: It can also refer to the pile or collection of items awaiting cleaning.

Usage
  • "Washing-up" is an uncountable noun. You do not say "a washing-up" or "washings-up."
  • It is primarily used in British English. In American English, "doing the dishes" or "washing the dishes" is more common.
  • It is commonly used in the phrases "do the washing-up" or "help with the washing-up."
Examples
  • As the activity:
    • After dinner, it's your turn to do the washing-up.
    • I'll cook if you do the washing-up.
    • We need washing-up liquid. (Here it modifies "liquid," specifying the type used for this chore).
  • As the items to be cleaned:
    • There's a huge pile of washing-up in the sink.
    • Can you put the washing-up in the dishwasher?
Advanced Usage
  • "Washing-up bowl": A plastic or rubber bowl placed inside the kitchen sink to hold water for washing dishes.
  • "Washing-up liquid": (British English) The detergent used for washing dishes by hand. (American English: "dish soap").
Variants and Related Words
  • To wash up (phrasal verb, British English): To wash the dishes.
    • I'll wash up after breakfast.
  • Wash-up (noun, less common variant): An alternative spelling of "washing-up."
Synonyms
  • The dishes (as in "do the dishes")
  • Dishwashing (more formal, often used for machines or as an adjective, e.g., "dishwashing liquid")
Phrasal Verbs
  • To wash up (British English): As defined above, meaning to wash dishes.
    • It took an hour to wash up after the party.
Related Idioms
  • To be left holding the baby / to be left to do the washing-up: This idiom uses the chore as a metaphor for being left with an unwanted responsibility. While the standard idiom is "left holding the baby," "washing-up" can be substituted for humorous or specific effect.
    • Everyone else went out, so I was left to do the washing-up.
washing-up

She does the washing-up after dinner.

Noun
  1. the washing of dishes etc after a meal