launder
LAWN-der
/ˈlɔːn.dər/
To wash, dry, and iron clothes or linens.
Launder is more formal than 'wash' and implies the entire process of fabric care, including pressing or folding.
The story behind the word. Traced back to the Latin 'lavandus', meaning 'to be washed', from 'lavare' (to wash). This evolved into the Old French 'lavandier' (a washerman) and eventually entered Middle English as 'launder'.
Word relationships
- wash: Wash is a general term for cleaning with water, whereas launder specifically implies the complete care cycle of fabrics.
- soil: Soil means to make dirty, reversing the laundering process.
Commonly confused with
- dry-clean: Dry-cleaning uses chemical solvents instead of water to clean delicate fabrics, whereas laundering traditionally uses water and detergents.
Word family
- laundry (noun): Clothes and linens that need to be washed or have been washed.
- launderette (noun): A self-service laundry facility.
Collocations
- launder money
- freshly laundered
- launder sheets
- laundry service
Idioms & expressions
- wash/launder dirty linen in public (to discuss private disputes publicly)
Example sentences
- "The estate employed three maids whose sole duty was to launder the heavy linen sheets." A historical novel describing household management.
- "The syndicate used shell companies to launder millions of dollars in illicit cash." A news report on financial crimes.
Memory hook
Picture laying clothes out on a green 'lawn' to dry after you 'launder' them. Launder on the lawn.
When not to use
Do not use when washing dishes, hands, or floors; it is strictly reserved for textiles and fabrics (or metaphorically, money).
Fun facts
- The term 'money laundering' comes from the literal concept of taking 'dirty' cash (associated with illegal activities) and running it through legitimate businesses (historically, laundromats) to make it look 'clean'.
Related words
Also appears in
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