What does whitewash mean?
Whitewash can refer literally to a white coating used to cover or decorate walls, surfaces, or other objects. Its figurative use is more prominent today: to whitewash something means to conceal its faults, errors, or wrongdoing by presenting only a favourable or misleading account of it. The verb often describes attempts by governments, organizations, companies, or individuals to obscure responsibility or avoid scrutiny. The related noun identifies either the physical coating or, more commonly, a deceptive representation that makes a problematic situation appear cleaner than it really is. Expressions such as political whitewash emphasize concealment and exoneration. Although whitewashing was once a common domestic and commercial practice, the word survives chiefly because of its forceful metaphorical connotation. It is useful in discussion of politics, business, journalism, and institutional accountability, where questions of transparency, truth, and deliberate evasion are central.
To cover a surface with whitewash or white paint; figuratively, to conceal faults, errors, or wrongdoing by glossing over them.
"The spokesperson accused the inquiry of whitewashing the department's failures."
The figurative use is strongly critical and implies deliberate deception, evasion, or exoneration.
A white coating used to cover or decorate a surface; also a misleadingly favourable account that conceals faults or wrongdoing.
"The report was dismissed as an attempt to apply whitewash to a deeply flawed system."
The figurative noun is commonly countable when referring to separate acts or instances of concealment, though it is often used in the singular or as a mass noun.
The plural is uncommon and is used chiefly for separate instances of deceptive or misleading representation.
"The committee's report was dismissed as one of several political whitewashes."
From a practical wall coating to a political cover-up, whitewash has moved from bright surfaces to the less bright practice of hiding inconvenient truths.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does whitewash come from?
Whitewash is an English compound formed from the ordinary words white and wash. Its literal sense, referring to a white coating for surfaces, dates from the late 16th century. The figurative sense developed later, taking in the idea of covering over blemishes or concealing what is objectionable. As a transparent native compound, its later history was determined chiefly by the metaphorical extension of its physical meaning rather than by borrowing or influence from another language.
Related word forms
How whitewash is actually used
The figurative sense is strongly negative and usually implies deliberate deception or an evasive attempt to make something seem better than it is. The literal sense is less common today and can sound old-fashioned when referring specifically to lime-based whitewash. Usage is broadly similar in British and American English.