washer

[/ˈwɑːʃər/ or /ˈwɔːʃər/]
nounmasculinepl: washers
lavadora
1. A machine designed to wash clothes automatically
I need to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer.
Preciso transferir as roupas da lavadora para a secadora.
2. A person whose job is to wash something
The car washer cleaned my vehicle thoroughly.
O lavador de carros limpou meu carro completamente.
3. A flat ring or disk, typically made of metal or rubber, used to seal or protect surfaces
The washer prevents water from leaking around the pipe joint.
A arruela impede que a água vaze ao redor da junção do tubo.
4. A device that sprays liquid, especially water for cleaning windshields
The car's windshield washer fluid needs to be refilled.
O líquido do limpador de para-brisa do carro precisa ser reabastecido.
In Brazil, the automatic washing machine (lavadora) is a common household appliance in urban areas, though many people still hand-wash delicate items. The term 'lavador' traditionally refers to informal workers who wash clothes for others, reflecting historical social patterns. In the USA, washers are essential household items, and laundromats ('lavanderias') serve as community spaces, particularly in urban environments where residents lack personal machines.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
washing machinelaundry machinedishwasher (context-dependent)cleaner
Antonyms / Antônimos
dryer

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
lavadora
Most common term for automatic washing machine
General Brazilian
máquina de lavar
Literal and widely understood alternative
Northeast Brazil
lavador
Can refer to a person who washes clothes professionally
Portugal
máquina de lavar roupa
More formal/complete term used in Portuguese Portuguese
Portugal
arruela
Used for the metal/rubber ring component

Related Words

laundrywashdetergentrinsespin cyclelint trap

Related Idioms & Phrases

come out in the wash - eventual resolution of problems
wash and wear - describing low-maintenance clothing
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