washing-up

IPA/ˌwɒʃɪŋ ˈʌp/
IPA/ˌwɑːʃɪŋ ˈʌp/

washing-up — noun

1. both the task of cleaning kitchen containers and utensils after eating, and the

1.nounB1
Definition

both the task of cleaning kitchen containers and utensils after eating, and the dirty objects themselves that need washing

Example

After the party, Christopher and Hugo took turns doing the washing-up in the kitchen.

collocation: do the washing-up

Adina left the washing-up in the sink and went to answer the phone.

meaning: the items waiting to be washed

Common collocations
  • do the washing-up
  • pile of washing-up
  • washing-up liquid
  • washing-up bowl
Synonyms
  • doing the dishes

    the American English equivalent; also used informally in British English

  • dishwashing

    more formal or technical; often used for machines or commercial settings

Grammar Patterns

the washing-up

do the washing-up

Usage Note

This word is standard in British English. In American English, the equivalent expression is 'doing the dishes'. 'Washing-up' cannot be used for laundry or cleaning cars — it refers only to kitchen items after eating or cooking.

Common Mistakes

I need to do the washing-up of my clothes.
I need to do the laundry.
'washing-up' only refers to kitchen dishes and utensils, not clothing.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Washing-up' is the everyday British term for cleaning kitchen items after a meal, and it can also mean the dirty items themselves ('a pile of washing-up'). 'Doing the dishes' is the standard American equivalent and is also understood in the UK, but it refers only to the activity — not the objects. 'Dishwashing' is more formal or technical; you see it on product labels ('dishwashing liquid') or in commercial contexts ('a dishwashing job'). In casual British conversation, a person would say 'I've done the washing-up', while an American would say 'I've done the dishes'. Neither sounds unnatural when used in the correct region.

washing-up ↗doing the dishesdishwashing

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • do the washing-up
  • washing-up liquid
  • washing-up bowl

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed by combining the verb 'wash' (from Old English 'wascan', meaning to clean with water) with the adverb 'up' (from Old English 'up', meaning to completion). The phrasal verb 'wash up' — meaning to finish washing the dishes — appeared in British English during the 1800s, and the noun 'washing-up' emerged from it soon after, referring to both the task and the items being washed.