What does washery mean?
A washery is a place where washing or cleaning is done, especially a factory or mill for washing or bleaching textiles. This term is primarily used in British English to describe a specific type of industrial facility. The washery was a major employer in many towns for generations, providing jobs for people in the textile industry. However, with the decline of the textile industry, many washeries have been abandoned or repurposed. The term washery is not commonly used in other English-speaking countries, where similar facilities may be referred to as laundries or cleaning plants. Despite its limited usage, the term washery remains an important part of the industrial heritage of the UK.
nounA place where washing or cleaning is done, especially a factory or mill for washing or bleaching textiles.
- A place where washing or cleaning is done, especially a factory or mill for washing or bleaching textiles.
"The washery was a major employer in the town for generations."
"The washery was a major employer in the town for generations."
"The old washery on the outskirts of town has been abandoned for decades."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of washery
The word washery is derived from the verb 'wash', which is of Germanic origin. The suffix '-ery' is a common formative in English, used to create nouns that denote places or facilities. The term washery has been in use since the 19th century, when textile mills and factories became a prominent feature of the industrial landscape.
How washery is actually used
In British English, a washery is typically a factory or mill for washing or bleaching textiles, whereas in other contexts, it may refer to a place where washing or cleaning is done.