unwashed

1 of 2

adjective

un·​washed ˌən-ˈwȯsht How to pronounce unwashed (audio)
-ˈwäsht
1
: not cleaned with or as if with soap and water
2
: ignorant, plebeian
the unwashed masses
unwashedness noun

unwashed

2 of 2

noun

: an ignorant or underprivileged group : rabble
usually used with great
the great unwashed

Examples of unwashed in a Sentence

Adjective a sink full of unwashed dishes a TV producer who knew what the unwashed masses wanted—and unhesitatingly gave it to them Noun Aunt Edna was fond of snootily reminding us that we need not take our manners from the great unwashed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The onion supplier behind a deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders this past fall had numerous health and sanitation violations, including employees with unwashed hands, dirty equipment, and puddles of Listeria bacteria. Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2025 Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025 Washing hands often with soap and water, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with sick people can protect from the disease. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 Return Policy: Customers can request exchanges and returns of items that are unworn, unwashed, in their original packaging, and in the same condition they were received within 30 days from the order date. Casey Clark, Parents, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unwashed 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwashed was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near unwashed

Cite this Entry

“Unwashed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwashed. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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