handwashing

noun

hand·​wash·​ing ˈhand-ˌwȯ-shiŋ 

-ˌwä-

variants or hand-washing

1

: the act or activity of washing one's hands

Some 80 percent of your exposure to germs occurs through touch, making proper handwashing key to protecting yourself.

—Andrew Weil, Self Healing, December 2004

2

: the act or activity or washing something by hand rather than by using a machine

delicate fabrics that require hand-washing

hand-wash

ˈhand-ˌwȯsh 

-ˌwäsh

transitive verb

hand-washed; hand-washing; hand-washes

… cotton that he said had to be hand-washed in lukewarm water …

—John Updike, "Beautiful Husbands" in Trust Me, 1987

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 2

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now