What does limewash mean?
Limewash is a white coating traditionally made by mixing slaked lime with water, historically used to finish walls, ceilings, and masonry. As a verb, “to limewash” means to apply this coating or to whiten a surface with it. The word is chiefly British, although the product and the general practice are also known in North America. Traditional limewash is valued for its breathable qualities: it allows moisture to move through masonry rather than sealing the surface as some modern paints do. The expression “to limewash over” is also used figuratively, meaning to disguise a problem with a superficial appearance. Limewash can consequently denote both a practical building material and, metaphorically, an attempt to make something look better than it really is.
A white coating made traditionally from slaked lime and water, used to paint or finish walls and masonry.
"A fresh coat of limewash softened the appearance of the old stone building."
Chiefly British in modern usage. The word can refer to the coating material itself or to an applied layer.
To paint or finish a surface with limewash.
"They limewashed the walls of the kitchen by hand."
The verb is chiefly British. Figuratively, it can mean to conceal something by presenting a falsely improved appearance.
Used for separate applications or layers of limewash.
"The old limewashes were carefully removed before the walls were repaired."
Traditional limewash lets masonry breathe, so it has long been valued for walls where moisture needs to escape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does limewash come from?
Limewash is a compound formed from “lime” and “wash,” referring to a wash made with lime. The term belongs to the vocabulary of traditional building and finishing work, in which lime was used to create white coatings for masonry and interiors.
Related word forms
How limewash is actually used
The term is chiefly British. In figurative use, especially in the phrase 'limewash over', it can suggest an attempt to conceal or misrepresent a problem by presenting an improved appearance.
Easily confused with limewash
Whitewash can refer generally to a white paint or coating and also has figurative meanings, whereas limewash specifically denotes a coating made with lime.
Limewater is a clear liquid made by allowing lime to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, while limewash is a coating used on surfaces.