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.

Noun

1. the washing of dishes etc after a meal