Dishwasher

/ˈdɪʃˌwɔːʃər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A machine used for automatically washing dishes, utensils, and cookware.
After dinner, I loaded the dirty plates into the dishwasher.
A person whose job is to wash dishes, particularly in a restaurant or cafeteria.
The dishwasher was busy scrubbing pots and pans in the back of the kitchen.

Etymology

The word 'dishwasher' combines 'dish' (from Old English 'dysc') and 'washer' (from Old English 'wæscan').

Common Phrases and Expressions

load the dishwasher
To fill the machine with dirty dishes for cleaning.
unload the dishwasher
To remove clean dishes from the machine.
run the dishwasher
To start the operational cycle of the machine.

Related Words

sink
A basin used for washing dishes.
detergent
A substance used to clean dishes in a dishwasher.
utensil
An implement used for handing food.

Slang Meanings

Dish duty
I'm on dish duty again; I’d rather use the dishwasher.
Dish hog
He's such a dish hog, always being the last one at the sink.