Definition

Water that is used for washing dishes, often dirty and soapy.

Example

After dinner, she filled the sink with dishwater to clean the plates.

Conversation

I can't believe how much dishwater I've gone through today.

Yeah, washing all those plates can be a hassle.

I know, right? I wish I had a dishwasher instead of a sink full of dishwater.

That would save so much time! Maybe one day you'll get one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'dishwater' is formed from 'dish' (from Old English *disc*, meaning a plate or vessel) and 'water' (from Old English *wæter*, meaning water). The term 'dishwater' refers to the water used for washing dishes.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'plate' ('dish') being washed in 'water' — that's what dishwater is, the water used for cleaning dishes.

Visually Confused Words