Washhouse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งบ
washhouse
[หwษหshhaสs ]
Definition
laundry facility
A washhouse, typically found in urban areas, is a public place where people can wash their clothes. It usually provides washing machines, dryers, and sometimes access to laundry services. In some regions, it may also refer to a building where people can bathe, especially in historical contexts.
Synonyms
cleaning house, laundromat, laundry.
Examples of usage
- I took my dirty clothes to the washhouse down the street.
- The old washhouse was converted into a community center.
- We used to have fun at the washhouse when I was a child.
- The new washhouse has state-of-the-art equipment.
Translations
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Origin of 'washhouse'
The term 'washhouse' comes from the combination of the words 'wash' and 'house'. The word 'wash' has Old English origins, traced back to 'wรฆscan', which means 'to wash' or 'to cleanse'. The word 'house' originates from Old English 'hลซs', which referred to a dwelling or shelter. The concept of a washhouse has historical significance; prior to the widespread availability of home washing machines, communities often provided shared spaces for residents to wash their clothes. As urbanization increased in the 19th and 20th centuries, laundromats and public washhouses became more common to accommodate the growing population's need for laundry services.