washer

washer — noun

1. a thin circular part that sits between joined mechanical surfaces — like under a

1.nounB1
Definition

a thin circular part that sits between joined mechanical surfaces — like under a bolt head or where two pipes meet — to create a tighter connection and stop leaks

Example

Iris replaced the rubber washer inside the kitchen faucet to stop the dripping.

collocation: replace + rubber washer

The mechanic spotted a worn copper washer near the brake caliper during the inspection.

collocation: worn copper washer

Common collocations
  • rubber washer
  • metal washer
  • copper washer
  • flat washer
  • replace a washer
  • worn washer
  • cracked washer
Synonyms
  • gasket

    a broader category; gaskets are usually larger and softer, used between flat surfaces to seal fluids, whereas washers are typically smaller, harder rings for fasteners

  • ring

    too general — any circular shape; not specific to mechanical fastening or sealing

  • spacer

    similar shape but used mainly to maintain a distance between parts, not primarily for sealing

Usage Note

The material of the washer (rubber, metal, or plastic) depends on the job: rubber washers seal against water, while metal washers distribute load under bolts.

Common Mistakes

I need a flat washer for the sink.
I need a rubber washer for the sink.
All washers are flat; naming the material (rubber, copper, plastic) tells others exactly what you need without redundancy.

2. a household machine that cleans clothes automatically; the common short form of

2.nounA2
Definition

a household machine that cleans clothes automatically; the common short form of 'washing machine'

Example

Folake's front-load washer suddenly stopped during the rinse cycle.

informal register: washer = washing machine

Hamza loaded the washer with towels and poured in some liquid detergent.

collocation: load the washer

Common collocations
  • front-load washer
  • top-load washer
  • load the washer
  • washer broke down
  • washer drum
  • washer seal
Synonyms
  • washing machine

    the full, more formal term; preferred in product manuals and advertisements

  • laundry machine

    used mainly in North America, less common than 'washer' or 'washing machine'

Antonyms
  • dryer

    the appliance that dries clothes after washing; the two machines form a pair

Usage Note

Common in everyday conversation in both British and American English. The full form 'washing machine' is slightly more formal or used in technical writing.

Common Mistakes

I put the clothes in the washer machine.
I put the clothes in the washer.
'Washer' already means 'washing machine'; adding 'machine' is redundant.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

'Washer' is the everyday informal short form — you would tell a friend 'the washer is making a funny noise'. 'Washing machine' is the full, neutral term used in product manuals, advertisements, and more formal contexts: 'This washing machine has a 10-year warranty'. 'Laundry machine' is mainly North American and appears less often; it sounds slightly technical and is not used in everyday speech in the UK or Australia. For daily conversation, 'washer' is by far the most natural choice. In writing, 'washing machine' avoids any ambiguity.

washer ↗washing machinelaundry machine

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

From the verb 'wash' (Old English 'wascan', to clean with water) plus the agent suffix '-er'. The mechanical sense — a flat ring that protects surfaces from friction or wear — dates from the 14th century. How the 'protective ring' meaning relates to 'washing' is uncertain; it may come from the idea of the ring 'washing' or protecting the surface from damage. The appliance sense appeared in the early 20th century alongside the first automatic washing machines for home use.