washing - the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)washup, bathing - the act of washing yourself (or another person) ablution - the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels washing-up - the washing of dishes etc after a meal rinse - washing lightly without soap soak, soaking - washing something by allowing it to soak rinsing, rinse - the removal of soap with clean water in the final stage of washing work - activity directed toward making or doing something; "she checked several points needing further work" |