Washer
ˈwɒʃər
Definitions
2 meaningsA person or thing that washes or cleans something.
ˈwɒʃər
A person or thing that washes something.
The new washing machine is a great washer of clothes.
💡 Simply: A washer is like someone or something that gets things clean. Think of your mom as the washer of your clothes or a washing machine.
👶 For kids: A washer is something that cleans things. Like a person or a machine!
More Examples
The janitor is the washer of the floors.
The windshield washer keeps the glass clean on the car.
How It's Used
"She loaded the dishwasher with dirty dishes; she is the washer of dishes"
"The car needs a new windshield washer pump."
A thin plate with a hole, used under a nut or bolt to distribute pressure, prevent leakage, or act as a spacer.
ˈwɒʃər
A flat ring of metal, rubber, etc., placed under a nut or bolt to distribute pressure or to act as a seal.
I need a washer to fix this leaky faucet.
💡 Simply: A washer is like a tiny, flat donut made of metal or rubber that you put under a screw or bolt. It helps spread the pressure so things don't break or leak.
👶 For kids: A washer is a little ring that helps hold things together tight.
More Examples
The engineer used washers to distribute the load evenly.
Make sure there's a washer between the screw head and the wood.
How It's Used
"Make sure to tighten the nut with a washer to secure it in place."
"The bolt needs a washer so that it doesn't damage the surface."
From Middle English *wasshere*, from Old English *wæscere* ('washer, cleaner'), equivalent to wash + -er.
Historically, the term 'washer' was used primarily in its literal sense of a person or thing that cleans. Its use in a mechanical sense (e.g., hardware) developed later.
Memory tip
Think of someone or something that does the washing – a person, a machine, or even a device.