laundry - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
laundry Word Meanings
- clothes that need washing
- the act of washing clothes
- a place where clothes are washed
laundry Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
laundry Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈlɔːndri/
US
/ˈlɔndri/
laundry Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'laundr' (from Old French 'laundree') + 'y'. Historical origin: Latin 'lavare' (to wash) → Old French 'laundree' → English 'laundry'. Memory image: Imagine a bubbling washing machine full of colorful clothes dancing around as they swirl in soapy water.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Laundry is the everyday task of washing clothes, linens, and towels. In English, laundry can refer to the clothes that need washing (the laundry), the act of washing them (do the laundry), or a place where clothes are washed (the laundry room or laundromat). People usually separate laundry into colors, whites, and delicates and choose appropriate detergents, water temperatures, and cycles. The word often appears in phrases like do the laundry, laundry basket, or a load of laundry. Understanding the context matters because laundry can describe both the items and the process, and some learners confuse it with wash or doing laundry in other languages.
Usage Reminders
- Laundry can refer to clothes that need washing, the act of washing, or the place where washing happens. Use do the laundry for the action and a load of laundry for a batch. Laundry room or laundromat refers to a place. Watch for collocations like laundry basket and dirty laundry. Context will tell if you mean the clothes, the process, or the place.
Common Misconceptions
- Laundry refers only to dirty clothes
- Laundry is exactly the same as washing clothes in one word
- Laundry room and laundromat mean the same thing
- A load of laundry must be a large amount of clothes
- Laundry and wash are always interchangeable
Thinking Differences
To an English speaker, laundry is a flexible noun that can refer to the items, the act, or the place. It often causes learners to mix senses or look for one word translations in other languages.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three core senses of laundry: items, process, place
- Practice common collocations: do the laundry, a load of laundry, laundry basket
- Compare with synonyms: wash, washing, laundries
- Use visuals: pictures of a laundry room, washing machine, and piles of clothes
- Create mini dialogues using laundry scenarios
- Check context in sentences to decide meaning
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'laundry'?
A.A place where clothes are washed
B.Clothes that are waiting to be washed
C.A type of fabric
D.A cleaning solution
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'laundry'?
A.I need to go to the laundry to buy some groceries.
B.She enjoys reading laundry during her free time.
C.Please take the laundry out of the dryer.
D.The laundry was delicious.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'laundry'?
A.Dishes
B.Washing
C.Cleaning
D.Cooking
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'laundry'?
A.Dirtiness
B.Neatness
C.Organization
D.Collection
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where laundry is involved?
A.The meal was prepared in the kitchen.
B.He sorted out the clothes to wash them.
C.She organized her books on the shelf.
D.The car was washed in the driveway.
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