unwashed

1 of 2

adjective

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

unwashed

2 of 2

noun

: 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
Wash Your Hands First, make sure your hands are clean, as failing to wash your hands properly can lead to serious oral health issues. Bacteria and viruses from unwashed hands can enter the mouth, increasing the risk of infections like gingivitis, cavities, and even hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 Clean the Handle and Zippers The handle and zippers get a lot of use and are frequently touched, often with unwashed hands. Lauren David, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2025 The restaurant was in violation of 14 standards, including improper food storage and unwashed fruit. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2025 How to use: Use on dry, unwashed hair before stepping into the shower. Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near unwashed

Cite this Entry

“Unwashed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwashed. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!