unwashed

1 of 2

adjective

un·​washed ˌən-ˈwȯsht How to pronounce unwashed (audio)
-ˈwäsht
Synonyms of unwashednext
1
: not cleaned with or as if with soap and water
a sink full of unwashed dishes
2
: ignorant, plebeian
the unwashed masses
unwashedness noun

unwashed

2 of 2

noun

old-fashioned + humorous
: an ignorant or underprivileged group : rabble
usually used with great
the great unwashed

Examples of unwashed in a Sentence

Adjective a sink full of unwashed dishes a TV producer who knew what the unwashed masses wanted—and unhesitatingly gave it to them Noun Aunt Edna was fond of snootily reminding us that we need not take our manners from the great unwashed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Here’s how to limit your exposure Blueberries are nutritious and delicious and—if unwashed—likely coated in a film of pesticide residue. Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026 Raw prep shrimp stored on shelf over unwashed produce in walk in cooler. Staff Reports, Florida Times-Union, 24 Mar. 2026 Use them immediately, or freeze them unwashed in a resealable plastic bag to use later. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026 The parasite can cause severe neurological symptoms, with highest risk for those consuming raw freshwater crab, prawns, frogs, snails and unwashed produce. Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwashed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwashed was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwashed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwashed. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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