washup

1 of 2

noun

wash·​up ˈwȯsh-ˌəp How to pronounce washup (audio)
ˈwäsh-
: the act or process of washing clean

wash up

2 of 2

verb

washed up; washing up; washes up

intransitive verb

1
: to be deposited by or as if by a swell of waves
seaweed washed up on the shore
2
: to wash one's face and hands
3
British : to wash the dishes after a meal

transitive verb

1
: to get rid of by washing
wash up the spilled milk
2

Examples of washup in a Sentence

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.
Noun
To clean your face, either at the gym or back home, Kiehl’s face wash and moisturizer are an invigorating step in any washup routine. Naveen Kumar, CNN Underscored, 23 Sep. 2020 The old washup area became a walk-in pantry A half-wall divides the kitchen from the family room. Elle Decor Staff, ELLE Decor, 5 July 2012
Verb
The fish, which can grow to 30 feet in length and feed on krill, have typically washed up on beaches when injured or disoriented, according to scientists. James Doubek, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024 After a few days in the tumbler, the pieces emerge looking like the smooth, polished sea glass that washes up on the seashore. John Corrigan, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for washup 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1884, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1664, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of washup was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near washup

Cite this Entry

“Washup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/washup. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

wash up

verb
1
: to wash one's face and hands
2
: to bring to an end the force or value of
a scandal would wash you up as a sports hero
3
: to be deposited by or as if by waves
seaweed washed up on the shore
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