What does washhand mean?
Washhand denotes a washbasin, usually a small fixture supplied with running water and used for washing the hands. In older British usage, “wash-hand” could name the basin itself, especially one installed in a bedroom, bathroom, or service area rather than a general-purpose kitchen sink. Today the word is uncommon and may sound old-fashioned or regional, although related expressions such as “wash-hand basin” remain familiar. It should not be confused with the act of washing one’s hands: “washhands” is a verb form meaning to wash the hands, while “washhand” is a noun naming the basin. The distinction is chiefly evident from syntax and context rather than spelling. In most modern writing, washbasin or simply basin is the clearest choice, but washhand preserves the vocabulary of domestic fittings from an earlier era and can add a period or regional flavor to historical or descriptive prose.
nounA washbasin, especially one fitted with taps for washing one's hands. The word is now uncommon and is chiefly encountered in older or regional usage.
- A washbasin, especially a dedicated basin used for washing the hands.
"The washhand in the corner of the room has its own supply of hot and cold water."
"She rinsed her hands in the washhand."
"The old washhand stood near the entrance to the servants' passage."
Plural is rare because the word itself is uncommon in contemporary use.
"Each bedroom had a washhand, and some of the washhands had separate taps for hot and cold water."
Once a familiar fixture in British homes, the washhand is giving way to the modern sink.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of washhand
Washhand is a compound of the Old English words wash and hand. The verb wash is of Germanic origin, while hand continues Old English hand; the compound meaning a vessel or place for washing the hands developed during the period when such household fittings were commonly described by their function. Its closest modern counterpart is washbasin.
How washhand is actually used
The compound is normally written “wash-hand” when referring to a basin. It is uncommon in contemporary standard English and sounds old-fashioned or regional, particularly British; “washbasin” is more widely understood.
Easily confused with washhand
Washhand is the older, chiefly British term for the fixture itself, whereas washbasin is the more common modern name for the same kind of basin.