unwashed

1 of 2

adjective

un·​washed ˌən-ˈwȯsht How to pronounce unwashed (audio)
-ˈwäsht
1
: not cleaned with or as if with soap and water
2
: ignorant, plebeian
the unwashed masses
unwashedness noun

unwashed

2 of 2

noun

: an ignorant or underprivileged group : rabble
usually used with great
the great unwashed

Examples of unwashed in a Sentence

Adjective a sink full of unwashed dishes a TV producer who knew what the unwashed masses wanted—and unhesitatingly gave it to them Noun Aunt Edna was fond of snootily reminding us that we need not take our manners from the great unwashed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In addition, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with bird flu virus may also lead to infection. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 Bird flu can be contracted when drinking raw milk from an infected cow, when raw milk from an infected cow is splashed into the eyes, nose or mouth, or by touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands after contact with raw milk from an infected cow. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024 Touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with bird flu virus may also lead to infection, officials said. Louis Casiano, Fox News, 25 Nov. 2024 Leeks: Due to their stalk shape with tips that can dry out, store unwashed leeks in a produce or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unwashed 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwashed was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near unwashed

Cite this Entry

“Unwashed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwashed. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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