washup

1 of 2

noun

wash·​up ˈwȯsh-ˌəp How to pronounce washup (audio)
ˈwäsh-
: the act or process of washing clean

wash up

2 of 2

verb

washed up; washing up; washes up

intransitive verb

1
: to be deposited by or as if by a swell of waves
seaweed washed up on the shore
2
: to wash one's face and hands
3
British : to wash the dishes after a meal

transitive verb

1
: to get rid of by washing
wash up the spilled milk
2
: exhaust, finish

Examples of washup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
To clean your face, either at the gym or back home, Kiehl’s face wash and moisturizer are an invigorating step in any washup routine. — Naveen Kumar, CNN Underscored, 23 Sep. 2020 The old washup area became a walk-in pantry A half-wall divides the kitchen from the family room. — Elle Decor Staff, ELLE Decor, 5 July 2012
Verb
Since it was designated the first national recreation area in 1964, hordes of visitors have cut Lake Mead’s glassy surface with jet skis and boats, carelessly dropping belongings that may now wash up on shore. — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 Sargassum, a floating brown algae, typically begins washing up on beaches in the spring and summer. — Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for washup

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1884, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1664, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of washup was in 1664

Rhymes for washup

See All Rhymes for washup

Browse Nearby Words

washtub
washup
wash up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Washup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/washup. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wash up

verb
1
: to wash one's face and hands
2
: to bring to an end the force or value of
a scandal would wash you up as a sports hero
3
: to be deposited by or as if by waves
seaweed washed up on the shore
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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