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
This is especially true of kitchen towels, which can be cross-contaminated due to contact with raw meat or unwashed produce. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2024 Wrap the carrots in a paper towel to help absorb any moisture, transfer your unwashed carrots to an airtight container or zip-top bag, and store in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2024 See the salaries Arrest records show Marana dad habitually left children in vehicle before toddler died Wrong temperature food, unwashed hands among Phoenix restaurant violations Chandler mother accused of child abuse after toddler tests positive for meth How are Secret Service agents trained? Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 17 July 2024 This means as well as dirt, unwashed produce may contain a variety of potentially harmful matter — including bacteria, fungi, viruses and pesticides. Primrose Freestone, CNN, 2 Sep. 2024 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 24 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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