Laundry: meaning, definitions and examples
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laundry
[ˈlɔːndri ]
Definition
doing household chores
Laundry refers to the dirty clothes and other household linens that need to be washed and cleaned. It typically involves sorting clothes by color and fabric, using detergent and water to remove stains and odors, and then drying and folding the clean laundry.
Synonyms
cleaning, clothes washing, washing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| laundry |
Commonly used for the entire process of cleaning clothes, including washing, drying, and folding. Often refers to both the activity and the items (clothes, sheets, etc.) being cleaned.
|
| washing |
Often used in the context of cleaning clothes but can also apply to other items (dishes, cars, etc.). It is a more casual term compared to 'clothes washing'.
|
| cleaning |
Refers to the general act of making something clean. It is a broader term that can involve various tasks such as dusting, mopping, in addition to clothes washing.
|
| clothes washing |
Specifically used to describe the act of cleaning clothes. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation and can sound formal or technical.
|
Examples of usage
- I need to do the laundry today.
- She has a separate laundry room in her house.
- Laundry is one of the most common household chores.
- His favorite part of doing laundry is folding the clothes.
- I forgot to put the laundry in the dryer.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'laundry' comes from the Latin word 'lavare', which means 'to wash'.
- Originally, the term referred to a place where clothes were washed, a 'laundress' being someone who did this job.
- In English, 'laundry' started being used in the 14th century to describe the act of washing clothes.
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, laundry day is a community event, where people gather to wash and discuss, fostering social bonds.
- In Japan, hanging clothes outside to dry is common and considered eco-friendly, known as 'sora ni kakeru'.
- Some cultures have specific times of the week for doing laundry to maintain traditions or cleanliness in homes.
Science
- Laundry detergents contain surfactants, which help lift dirt and grease from fabrics, making it easier to clean.
- Washing clothes in cold water can save energy and is often just as effective as hot water for most fabrics.
- Fabric softeners are sometimes added to laundry to help make clothes feel softer and reduce static cling.
History
- The invention of the washing machine in the 19th century revolutionized laundry, making it more efficient and less labor-intensive.
- Before machines, laundry was done by hand and often involved boiling water and scrubbing clothes on washboards.
- In ancient Rome, laundries were established as businesses, where workers called 'fullones' cleaned and whitened garments.
Psychology
- For some, the act of doing laundry can be meditative, providing a sense of control and accomplishment.
- The smell of fresh laundry is often associated with comfort and home, triggering positive emotional responses.
- Organizing and folding laundry can be a therapeutic task, helping people feel more organized and settled.
Translations
Translations of the word "laundry" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lavanderia
🇮🇳 कपड़े धोने
🇩🇪 Wäscherei
🇮🇩 binatu
🇺🇦 пральня
🇵🇱 pralnia
🇯🇵 洗濯
- ランドリー (sentaku
- randorī)
🇫🇷 blanchisserie
🇪🇸 lavandería
🇹🇷 çamaşırhane
🇰🇷 세탁소
- 빨래 (setakso
- ppalrae)
🇸🇦 مغسلة
- غسيل (maghsala
- ghasil)
🇨🇿 prádelna
🇸🇰 práčovňa
🇨🇳 洗衣房
- 洗衣 (xǐyīfáng
- xǐyī)
🇸🇮 pralnica
🇮🇸 þvottahús
🇰🇿 кір жуатын орын
🇬🇪 სამრეცხაო
- სარეცხი (samrts'kh'ao
- sarets'khi)
🇦🇿 paltarxana
🇲🇽 lavandería
Word Frequency Rank
Position #8,374 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
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