WASH UP
1. To wash up something (or wash something up) is to clean the dishes, saucepans and cutlery that you have used for cooking and eating a meal.
British and Australian English.
Examples of use:
- Can you help me wash up these dishes, please?
- I love cooking, but I hate washing up all the saucepans afterwards.
2. To wash up is to clean your hands with soap and water.
American English.
Examples of use:
- Dinner is ready – go and wash up, please.
- Make sure you wash up before you eat your take-out.
3. Wash up something or wash something up. When something washes up it is carried to land by the sea or a river, and left there.
International English.
Examples of use:
- The old boat washed up on the beach in the storm.
- The sea washes up old fishing nets in the winter.
- A whale carcass washed up on the beach last week.
| infinitive | wash up |
| present simple | wash up and washes up |
| -ing form | washing up |
| past simple | washed up |
| past participle | washed up |