On this page, you can expect to find a comprehensive vocabulary list related to doing laundry. Explore links to games, flashcards, and other resources to help you master the terminology associated with this subject. Dive into the world of laundry-related words and phrases to enhance your understanding of this everyday chore.
Doing laundry is an essential household chore that involves washing, drying, and folding clothes to keep them clean and fresh. To effectively tackle this task, it is important to separate clothes by color and fabric type to prevent damage and maintain quality. Using the right detergent and following care instructions on clothing labels can help prolong the lifespan of garments. Additionally, being mindful of water and energy usage by washing full loads and using cold water can contribute to environmentally friendly laundry practices. By establishing a routine and staying organized, doing laundry can become a seamless part of your weekly household responsibilities.
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Doing Laundry Vocabulary List
Washing
Delicate cycle(Noun)
/Delicate cycle: de-li-ket sy-kel/
A gentle washing setting on a washing machine designed for delicate fabrics that require special care during the laundry process.
Synonyms: gentle cycle, fine wash, hand wash, wool cycle, silk cycle, sensitive cycle
Example Sentences:
- She always washes her cashmere sweaters on the delicate cycle to prevent any damage.
- The delicate cycle on the washing machine is perfect for lingerie and silk garments.
- I recommend using the delicate cycle when washing your favorite silk blouse to keep it in good condition.
Word Origin: The word "delicate" comes from the Latin word "delicatus," which means "delightful, luxurious, or delicate." In the context of washing, the term "delicate cycle" refers to a setting on a washing machine that is specifically designed for washing delicate fabrics or items that require gentle care. This setting typically uses a slower agitation and spin cycle to prevent damage to fragile materials such as silk, lace, or wool.
Detergent(Noun)
/De-ter-gent/
Detergent is a cleaning agent used in washing laundry to remove dirt, stains, and odors from clothing and linens.
Synonyms: cleanser, soap, suds, cleaner, wash, solvent
Example Sentences:
- I need to buy more detergent for the laundry.
- The detergent I use is environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
- My clothes smell fresh and clean after using this detergent.
Word Origin: The word "detergent" comes from the Latin word "dētergentem," which is the present participle of the verb "dētergēre," meaning "to wipe off" or "to cleanse." This Latin word is derived from the combination of "dē-" (meaning "off" or "away") and "tergēre" (meaning "to wipe" or "to clean"). The word "detergent" was first used in the English language in the mid-17th century to refer to a substance that cleanses or removes dirt and stains from surfaces, particularly in the context of washing clothes or dishes.
Fabric softener(Noun)
/fab-rik sof-te-ner/
Fabric softener is a liquid added to laundry during washing to make clothes feel softer, reduce static, and impart a pleasant scent.
Synonyms: softening agent, laundry softener, fabric conditioner, clothes softener, textile softener
Example Sentences:
- I always use fabric softener when doing my laundry to ensure my clothes come out feeling extra soft and smelling fresh.
- The fabric softener I use is hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
- After using fabric softener, I noticed that my towels are much fluffier and more comfortable to use.
Word Origin: The word "fabric" comes from the Latin word "fabrica," meaning "a workshop or manufactory." "Softener" comes from the verb "soften," which ultimately derives from the Old English word "softe," meaning "gentle" or "mild." In the context of washing, "fabric softener" refers to a product used to make fabrics softer and more comfortable to the touch after washing.
Spin cycle(Noun)
/Spin cycle: /spɪn saɪ.kəl//
Spin cycle is a phase in the washing machine cycle where the drum spins rapidly to remove excess water from clothes.
Synonyms: wash cycle, rinse cycle, agitation cycle, delicate cycle, heavy duty cycle, quick wash cycle, gentle cycle, normal cycle
Example Sentences:
- The clothes were still damp after the spin cycle finished.
- I always add an extra rinse to my spin cycle to make sure all the soap is removed.
- The spin cycle on our new washing machine is so quiet, you can barely hear it running.
Word Origin: The word "spin cycle" in the context of washing machines comes from the action of spinning or rotating the drum of the washing machine at high speeds to remove excess water from the clothes after they have been washed. The term "spin" comes from the Old English word "spinnan," meaning to draw out and twist fibers into thread or yarn. The word "cycle" refers to the repetitive sequence of operations that a washing machine goes through during a single wash. So, the "spin cycle" essentially refers to the specific phase of the washing process where the drum spins rapidly to extract water from the clothes.
Spin cycle(Noun)
/Spin cycle: /spɪn ˈsaɪ.kəl//
Spin cycle is the final stage in a washing machine where the drum spins rapidly to remove excess water from the clothes.
Synonyms: rinse, wash, agitation, cycle, rotation, laundering, cleaning, laundry
Example Sentences:
- After the wash cycle is complete, the clothes are moved to the spin cycle to remove as much water as possible.
- The spin cycle is essential for ensuring that the clothes dry faster and more thoroughly.
- Make sure to balance the load properly before starting the spin cycle to prevent the machine from vibrating excessively.
Word Origin: The term "spin cycle" in the context of washing machines comes from the action of the washing machine's drum spinning rapidly to remove excess water from the clothes during the final stage of the washing process. The word "spin" comes from the Old English spinnan, meaning "to draw out and twist fibers into thread," while "cycle" comes from the Latin cyclus, meaning "circle" or "wheel." So, "spin cycle" essentially refers to the circular motion of the drum spinning to extract water from the clothes.
Washing machine(Noun)
/Washing machine = WA-shing ma-SHEEN/
A washing machine is a household appliance used to clean clothes by agitating them in a mixture of water and detergent.
Synonyms: washer, laundry machine, clothes washer, washing device, laundry appliance, laundry equipment
Example Sentences:
- I need to run a load of laundry in the washing machine before work tomorrow.
- The washing machine is making a strange noise during the spin cycle.
- I forgot to add fabric softener to the washing machine for this load of towels.
Word Origin: The term "washing machine" is derived from the combination of the words "washing" and "machine." "Washing" comes from the Old English word "wascan," meaning "to wash," while "machine" comes from the Latin word "machina," meaning "device" or "apparatus." The word "washing machine" first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century, referring to a device or appliance used for washing clothes.
Laundry(Noun)
/Lawn-dree/
Laundry refers to the process of washing and cleaning clothes, linens, and other fabrics using water and detergent.
Synonyms: washing, cleaning, clothes washing, laundry work, laundrying, laundering
Example Sentences:
- I need to do a big load of laundry this weekend because all of my clothes are dirty.
- My mom always makes sure to separate the whites from the darks when she does the laundry.
- I hate folding laundry, it always takes me forever to finish.
Word Origin: The word "laundry" comes from the Old French word "lavandrie," which originally referred to a place where clothes were washed. This word ultimately comes from the Latin word "lavare," meaning "to wash." Over time, the meaning of "laundry" expanded to refer not just to the place where clothes are washed, but also to the act of washing clothes itself.
Drying
Dryer(Noun)
/Dri-er/
A dryer is a household appliance used to remove moisture from clothing and other fabrics after they have been washed.
Synonyms: , tumble dryer, drying machine, clothes dryer, drying oven, dehydrator
Example Sentences:
- The dryer stopped working, so I had to hang my clothes out to dry.
- I always forget to clean out the lint trap in the dryer after each cycle.
- The dryer sheets make my clothes smell fresh and clean.
Word Origin: The word "dryer" in the context of drying comes from the Middle English word "dryen," which means to make dry or become dry. This word can be traced back to the Old English word "drygan," which also means to become dry. The root of this word can be found in the Proto-Germanic word "draugan," meaning to dry, as well as the Proto-Indo-European word "dreug-" meaning to dry or solidify.
Clothesline(Noun)
/Clothesline: KLOHZ-lahyn/
A clothesline is a piece of rope or wire stretched between two points outdoors, used for hanging wet laundry to dry.
Synonyms: drying line, laundry line, washing line, airer, clothes rack, clothes horse, apparel line, garment line
Example Sentences:
- I hung my freshly washed sheets on the clothesline to dry in the warm sun.
- The clothesline stretched across the backyard, holding up all of our damp towels.
- As a child, I loved running through the rows of clothes on the clothesline, pretending they were curtains in a make-believe castle.
Word Origin: The term "clothesline" is a compound word composed of "clothes" and "line." The word "clothes" comes from the Old English word "clathas," meaning garments or clothing. The word "line" comes from the Old English word "line," meaning a cord or rope. In the context of drying, a clothesline is a cord or rope on which clothes are hung to dry.
Air-drying(Verb)
/Air-drying: Air-dry-ing
Phonetic syllabic transliteration: /ɛər-draɪ-ɪŋ//
Air-drying is the process of allowing wet laundry to dry naturally by hanging it outside or indoors without using a dryer.
Synonyms: drying, natural drying, sun-drying, line-drying, open-air drying, evaporative drying
Example Sentences:
- I prefer air-drying my clothes to save energy and reduce my carbon footprint.
- The fresh air and sunshine help speed up the air-drying process for my damp towels.
- I love the crisp feeling of air-dried sheets on my bed.
Word Origin: The word "air-drying" is formed by combining the word "air," which refers to the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, and "drying," which comes from the Old English word "drygan" meaning to make or become dry. Therefore, "air-drying" specifically refers to the process of drying something by exposing it to the air, allowing the moisture to evaporate naturally.
Lint trap(Noun)
/Lint trap: lint trap/
A lint trap is a filter located in a dryer that collects lint and prevents it from clogging the machine.
Synonyms: filter, screen, mesh, strainer, sieve, net, catcher, trap
Example Sentences:
- My dryer's lint trap needs to be cleaned out regularly to ensure efficient airflow.
- I always check the lint trap before starting a load of laundry to prevent any potential fire hazards.
- The lint trap is easy to remove and clean, making maintenance of the dryer simple and quick.
Word Origin: The word "lint" comes from Middle English "linte," which is derived from Old English "lynt," ultimately from Proto-Germanic "linta." "Trap" comes from Middle English "trappe," from Old French "trappe," from Medieval Latin "trappa." In the context of drying, a lint trap is a device or feature in a dryer that catches lint, which is the soft, fluffy fibers that come off of clothing during the drying process.
Clothespin(Noun)
/clothespin: clo-ths-pin/
A clothespin is a small, spring-loaded clip used to hang clothing on a clothesline for air drying after washing.
Synonyms: peg, clothes peg, clothes pegs, clothespin, clothespins, laundry clip, laundry clips, clothes clamp, clothes clamps, clothing pin, clothing pins
Example Sentences:
- I reached for a clothespin to secure the wet towel to the line.
- The clothespin slipped from my fingers and dropped to the ground.
- I clipped the shirt to the clothesline with a clothespin and watched it flutter in the breeze.
Word Origin: The word "clothespin" is derived from the combination of "clothes" and "pin." Clothespins are used to secure clothes to a clothesline or drying rack while they are drying. The term has been in use since the late 19th century.
Drying rack(Noun)
/Drying rack: Drai-ing rak/
A drying rack is a portable device used to hang clothes to air dry after washing, typically constructed of metal or plastic.
Synonyms: clothesline, clothes horse, airer, laundry rack, drying rail, drying line, clothes dryer, drying stand
Example Sentences:
- I need to purchase a new drying rack because my old one broke.
- The laundry room at the apartment complex has a communal drying rack for everyone to use.
- I always use a drying rack to hang my delicate clothing items to avoid shrinking them in the dryer.
Word Origin: The term "drying rack" is a compound word composed of "drying" and "rack."
The word "drying" comes from the Middle English word "dryen," which is derived from the Old English word "dryġan." This ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "draugjan," meaning "to make dry."
The word "rack" comes from the Middle English word "rakke," which is of uncertain origin but is possibly related to the Old Norse word "rakki," meaning "hay." In this context, a rack is a framework or stand used for drying or storing items.
Wrinkle-free(Adjective)
/Wrinkle-free: /ˈrɪŋ.kəl-friː//
Wrinkle-free drying refers to a process of drying clothes in a way that minimizes or eliminates wrinkles on the fabric.
Synonyms: creaseless, smooth, unwrinkled, uncrumpled, pressed
Example Sentences:
- My new shirt is wrinkle-free, allowing me to wear it straight out of the dryer.
- I always opt for wrinkle-free sheets to make bed-making a breeze.
- The wrinkle-free technology in these pants keeps them looking fresh all day.
Word Origin: The word "wrinkle-free" in the context of drying refers to a fabric or garment that does not develop wrinkles or creases when dried.
The term "wrinkle-free" comes from a combination of the word "wrinkle," which originated in the late 14th century from the Middle English word "wrinkle," meaning a small ridge or furrow in the skin or fabric, and the word "free," which originated in the Old English word "freo," meaning not in bondage or under obligation.
Therefore, "wrinkle-free" literally means not having wrinkles or creases, emphasizing the idea that the fabric or garment will remain smooth and free of wrinkles even after drying.
Folding
crease(Noun)
/crease: krees/
A crease is a line or ridge formed on fabric when it is folded or wrinkled, usually requiring ironing to remove.
Synonyms: fold, wrinkle, line, ridge, furrow, tuck, crimp, pleat
Example Sentences:
- Her shirt had a noticeable crease down the center from being folded in the drawer.
- The pants were neatly pressed, with a sharp crease running down the front.
- She carefully smoothed out the crease in the tablecloth before setting the table for dinner.
Word Origin: The word "crease" comes from Middle English "crease" or "cresse," which originated from Old English "cres," meaning a fold or wrinkle. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "kris-" or "krisa-" meaning a line or sharp bend.
clothes hangers(Noun)
/clothes hangers: klohz han-gurz/
Clothes hangers are used to hang clothing items to dry or store, typically made of plastic, wood, or metal.
Synonyms: hooks, racks, holders, pegs, stands, shelves, organizers
Example Sentences:
- My closet is overflowing with clothes hangers, I need to declutter.
- I prefer using wooden clothes hangers for my nicer clothing items.
- The clothes hangers in the laundry room are all tangled together, making it difficult to find a matching pair.
Word Origin: The term "clothes hangers" comes from the Middle English word "hangere," which originally meant "one who hangs" or "something that hangs." The word "hangere" is derived from the Old English word "hangian," meaning "to hang." In the context of folding, clothes hangers are used to hang clothes in a closet or on a rack, rather than folding them.
stack of clothes(Noun)
/stack of clothes = stak uhv klohz/
A pile of clean clothes that have been neatly folded and stacked on top of each other for organization.
Synonyms: pile, heap, mound, collection, bundle, accumulation, mass
Example Sentences:
- I walked into my room and found a neat stack of clothes waiting for me on my bed.
- The stack of clothes in my closet toppled over when I reached for a shirt at the bottom.
- I spent the afternoon folding and organizing a huge stack of clothes that had been piling up in my laundry basket.
Word Origin: The word "stack" comes from Middle Dutch "stak" or Old English "staca," meaning a heap or pile. In the context of folding clothes, a stack of clothes refers to a neat arrangement of folded clothing items placed on top of each other in a pile.
fold(Verb)
/fold: fohld/
In the context of doing laundry, folding refers to the act of neatly creasing and arranging clothing or linens.
Synonyms: bend, crease, tuck, double, pleat, tuck, crimp, overlap
Example Sentences:
- After washing and drying the clothes, I always take the time to fold them neatly before putting them away.
- I like to fold my towels in thirds before stacking them in the linen closet.
- She carefully folded her favorite sweater and placed it in the drawer to keep it wrinkle-free.
Word Origin: The word "fold" in the context of folding comes from Old English "faldan," which means "to bend, fold." This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic "falthan," which also means "to fold." The word has been used in English since the 12th century to refer to the action of bending or creasing something in order to make it smaller or more compact.
Ironing
pressing(Adjective)
/Pre-ssing/
Pressing in ironing refers to using a hot iron to smooth out wrinkles and creases in clothing or fabric.
Synonyms: urgent, important, imperative, critical, essential, crucial, vital, significant
Example Sentences:
- I have a pressing deadline for this project and need to finish it by the end of the week.
- The issue at hand is pressing and requires immediate attention.
- She felt a pressing need to address the situation before it escalated further.
Word Origin: The word "pressing" in the context of ironing comes from the Old French word "presser," which means "to press, squeeze, or push." This term was likely borrowed from the Latin word "pressare," which has the same meaning. The use of "pressing" in the context of ironing refers to the act of pressing a heated iron onto fabric in order to smooth out wrinkles and creases.
wrinkles(Noun)
/wrinkles: RIN-kuhls/
Wrinkles are creases or folds in fabric that occur during washing or drying and need to be removed by ironing.
Synonyms: crease, fold, crimp, crinkle, furrow, line, ridge, ruffle, pucker
Example Sentences:
- She carefully ironed out the wrinkles in her favorite dress before wearing it to the party.
- The bed sheets were filled with wrinkles after being left in the dryer too long.
- The tailor skillfully removed all the wrinkles from the suit, making it look brand new again.
Word Origin: The word "wrinkles" comes from the Middle English word "wrinkle," which originally meant a crease, furrow, or ridge in a surface. This word can be traced back to the Old English word "wringan," meaning to twist, turn, or distort. In the context of ironing, wrinkles refer to the creases and folds that form in clothing or fabric and need to be smoothed out.
steam(Noun)
/1. Iron = ai-ern
2. Press = pres
3. Wrinkle = rin-kul
4. Heat = heet
5. Fabric = fab-rik/
Steam in ironing is the process of using hot water vapor to remove wrinkles and creases from clothing.
Synonyms: iron, press, smooth, de-wrinkle, steam clean
Example Sentences:
- The steam from the iron helped to smooth out the stubborn wrinkles in my shirt.
- I could see the steam rising up from the hot water as I poured it into the pot.
- After a long day of work, I like to relax in a hot bath filled with steam.
Word Origin: The word "steam" in the context of ironing comes from the Old English word "stēam," which originally meant vapor or exhalation. The use of steam in ironing became popular in the 19th century with the invention of the steam iron, which uses steam to help remove wrinkles from clothing. The word "steam" itself has Germanic origins, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "stau-maz," meaning vapor or mist.
iron(Noun)
/ai-ern/
Ironing is the process of using a heated iron to remove wrinkles and creases from clothing or fabric.
Synonyms: press, flatten, smooth, steam, crease, wrinkle, straighten, de-wrinkle
Example Sentences:
- She used a hot iron to press her crisp white shirt.
- The iron quickly smoothed out the wrinkles in the cotton fabric.
- I need to buy a new iron because my old one stopped working.
Word Origin: The word "iron" in the context of ironing comes from the Old English word "īsern," which itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "īsarnan." This word is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word "eis," meaning "to move quickly." Over time, the word "iron" came to be associated with the metal used in the process of ironing clothes due to its ability to conduct heat and smooth out wrinkles.
ironing board(Noun)
/I-ruh-ning Bawrd/
An ironing board is a flat, padded surface used for ironing clothes to remove wrinkles and create a smooth finish.
Synonyms: pressing board, ironing table, ironing surface, ironing platform, ironing bench, ironing stand, ironing pad, ironing station
Example Sentences:
- I need to set up the ironing board before I can start ironing my clothes.
- After using the ironing board, make sure to fold it up and put it away for storage.
- The ironing board cover needs to be replaced soon, as it is starting to show signs of wear and tear.
Word Origin: The word "ironing board" is a compound noun consisting of the words "ironing" and "board."
The word "ironing" comes from the Old English word "iren," meaning "made of iron," and the suffix "-ing," which denotes an action or process. In this case, "ironing" refers to the act of pressing clothes with a hot iron to remove wrinkles.
The word "board" comes from the Old English word "bord," which originally meant a plank or flat piece of wood. In this context, "board" refers to a flat, sturdy surface on which clothes can be placed for ironing.
Therefore, an "ironing board" is a flat surface specifically designed for ironing clothes, providing a smooth, stable area for the task.
Stain removal
Stain(Noun)
/Stain: /steɪn//
A stain is a discoloration on fabric caused by a spill or dirt that needs to be removed during laundry.
Synonyms: spot, blemish, discoloration, mark, smudge, blot, blotch, streak, tinge, tint
Example Sentences:
- The red wine stain on my white shirt was impossible to remove.
- She accidentally spilled coffee on the carpet, leaving a dark brown stain.
- I used a special stain remover to get rid of the grease stain on my favorite jeans.
Word Origin: The word "stain" comes from the Old French word "estain," which is derived from the Latin word "tingere," meaning "to dye." This reflects the original meaning of the word, which referred to a discoloration or mark caused by a substance being absorbed into a material. In the context of stain removal, the word "stain" refers to a mark or discoloration that needs to be removed from a surface.
Spot(Noun)
/1. Spot: spaht
2. Stain: steyn
3. Remove: ri-moov
4. Cleaner: klee-ner
5. Laundry: lawn-dree/
A spot refers to a localized area of a stain on fabric that requires targeted treatment for effective removal.
Synonyms: stain, mark, blemish, blot, blotch, speck, smudge, splotch, discoloration, stain, patch
Example Sentences:
- I noticed a spot on my shirt after lunch that I needed to treat right away.
- The dog found a sunny spot in the yard to lay down and relax.
- She carefully dabbed at the spot on the carpet with a cleaning solution to try to remove it.
Word Origin: The word "spot" in the context of stain removal comes from the Old English word "spott," which originally meant a mark or stain on a surface. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "spottaz," which also meant a stain or spot. The word has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to a small, discolored area on a surface that needs to be cleaned or removed.
Bleach(Noun)
/bleach - bleech/
Bleach is a chemical agent used to remove stains and brighten fabrics by breaking down color molecules in laundry.
Synonyms: whiten, lighten, disinfect, clean, purify, sanitize
Example Sentences:
- My white shirts always look so bright and clean after using bleach in the laundry.
- I accidentally spilled red wine on my favorite tablecloth, but thankfully bleach was able to remove the stain completely.
- The bleach solution is strong, so it's important to handle it carefully and follow the safety instructions on the label.
Word Origin: The word "bleach" comes from the Old English word "blæcan," which means "to make white or pale." This term was used to describe the process of whitening or lightening fabrics by removing stains and discoloration. Over time, "bleach" has become synonymous with any chemical substance used to remove stains and brighten fabrics.
Fabric(Noun)
/Fab-rik/
Fabric refers to the material from which clothing or linens are made, which can vary in texture, thickness, and composition.
Synonyms: material, textile, cloth, textile, fiber
Example Sentences:
- She loved the soft, flowing fabric of her new dress.
- The tailor carefully inspected the fabric before cutting out the pattern.
- The bedding was made of a luxurious, silky fabric that was a joy to sleep in.
Word Origin: The word "fabric" comes from the Latin word "fabrica," meaning "workshop" or "fabric." In the context of stain removal, fabric refers to the material or cloth that a stain is present on, such as clothing, upholstery, or linens. The term fabric in this context is used to describe the type of material that the stain has affected and needs to be treated or cleaned.
stain removal(Noun)
/stain re-moo-vuhl/
Stain removal is the process of eliminating unwanted marks or discoloration from fabric during the laundering process.
Synonyms: cleaning, spot removal, blotch eradication, blemish elimination, mark removal, blot removal
Example Sentences:
- I have tried several different products for stain removal, but nothing seems to work on this stubborn ink stain.
- My mother swears by her homemade stain removal solution, which is a combination of vinegar and baking soda.
- The dry cleaner was able to successfully perform stain removal on my favorite dress, leaving it looking brand new.
Word Origin: The word "stain" comes from the Old French word "estain" which means a mark or blemish. The word "removal" comes from the Latin word "removere" which means to move back or take away. Therefore, the term "stain removal" refers to the process of removing marks or blemishes from a surface.
Quick Facts
- 1. The average American household does about 8-10 loads of laundry per week.
- 2. The invention of the washing machine revolutionized laundry practices, making it much easier and more efficient.
- 3. The average washing machine uses about 41 gallons of water per load, while older models can use up to 54 gallons.
- 4. Dryer sheets were invented in the 1960s and are used to reduce static cling, soften clothes, and add fragrance to laundry.
- 5. The most energy-efficient way to dry clothes is by hanging them on a clothesline, which also helps to reduce wear and tear on fabrics.