Washbowl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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washbowl
[ˈwɔʃboʊl ]
Definition
kitchen, bathroom
A washbowl is a basin used for holding water for washing or cleaning purposes. It is typically found in kitchens or bathrooms, where it serves as a primary location for handwashing or rinsing items. Washbowls can vary in size, shape, and material, and may be made of ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal. In modern usage, the term is often synonymous with sink, though it can also refer to smaller, portable bowls used for washing dishes or hands at events.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Please fill the washbowl with warm water.
- He scrubbed the vegetables in the washbowl.
- The washbowl needs to be cleaned regularly.
- She filled the washbowl before washing her hands.
- They set up a washbowl outside for guests.
Translations
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Origin of 'washbowl'
The term 'washbowl' originates from the combination of two English words: 'wash' and 'bowl'. 'Wash' comes from the Old English word 'wascan,' meaning to cleanse or make clean, while 'bowl' is derived from the Middle English term 'boul,' which refers to a round, deep dish used for mixing or holding food or liquid. The concept of a washbowl as a vessel for washing dates back to the rise of domestic amenities in households during the 17th century, as personal hygiene practices began to evolve. Traditionally, washbowls were often ceramic, decorated artistically and valued for their design as much as for their utility. In contemporary usage, although 'sink' has become the more common term, 'washbowl' is still used in some regions and contexts, particularly in reference to more decorative basins or smaller washing vessels.