What does washup mean?
A washup is an act of washing, most often either washing oneself as part of a daily routine or washing dishes and utensils after a meal. The word is particularly common in British English, where it has a domestic, informal quality, although it is also understood in North America. Expressions such as “morning wash-up” refer to washing the face, hands, and body, while “doing the wash-up” usually means clearing and washing the dishes after eating. Because the noun can name either personal washing or the cleaning of utensils, context determines its sense. The related verb phrase “wash up” is formed in the same way but functions as a verb, as in “We washed up after dinner.” Although it is not especially literary or archaic, washup preserves a practical distinction between washing oneself and washing the dishes.
An act of washing oneself, especially as part of a regular daily routine.
"He had a wash-up and went to bed."
Common chiefly in British English and in expressions referring to washing up at a sink or bathroom basin.
The act of washing dishes, pots, and utensils after a meal.
"We left the wash-up until after the guests had gone."
More common in British English than in North American English, where “doing the dishes” is often preferred.
The noun is often used without a plural, especially for the routine washing of oneself or the washing of dishes after a meal.
"The morning washups were brief before the school run."
A “washup” may mean either a personal freshening-up or the post-meal washing of the dishes—an unusually compact name for two kinds of routine hygiene.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of washup
Washup is an English compound formed from “wash” and the particle “up.” Its noun senses developed alongside the established English verb phrase “wash up,” particularly in the context of washing oneself or cleaning utensils after a meal. Related words sharing the root “wash” include “washer” and “washable.”
Related word forms
How washup is actually used
The noun is chiefly British and informal or domestic in tone. It is also spelled “wash-up” and should be distinguished from the verb phrase “wash up.”
Easily confused with washup
As a verb phrase, “wash up” means to wash oneself, dishes, or another surface after use; “washup” is a noun naming the act of washing.