wash up
(transitive, of water) To carry (an object) to land.
Definitions
(transitive, of water) To carry (an object) to land.
Dinner is almost ready, so go and wash up.
Comments
(British, ambitransitive) To clean the utensils, dishes etc. used in preparing and eating a meal.
You wash up tonight and I'll dry.
Wash up means: To clean the utensils, dishes etc. used in preparing and eating a meal.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. This is a food-related word and harmless in itself. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
wash up means: To clean the utensils, dishes etc. used in preparing and eating a meal.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
Comments
(US, intransitive) To wash one's hands or face, often around mealtimes.
I'm not washing up all these dishes.
“Judge Dredd ink wash up on www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?s...”
— Bluesky· May 2026
Comments
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Other words near "wash up" (W)
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