1 A2 neutral
To remove a substance, stain, or dirt from a surface by washing with water.
"Don't worry, that paint will wash off easily."
separable
wash off
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To remove a substance from a surface by washing, or for a substance to be removed by washing.
In plain English
Clean something off a surface using water.
What does "wash off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
For rain, water, or weather to remove a surface marking or coating.
"The chalk drawings on the pavement had all washed off in the rain."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To wash something so it comes off a surface.
Actually means
Clean something off a surface using water.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday domestic contexts. Can be used transitively ('wash the mud off') or intransitively ('the mud washed off easily'). Often used to reassure someone that a stain is not permanent.
Words that pair with "wash off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mud paint stain makeup dirt ink
How to conjugate "wash off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wash off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
washes off
he/she/it
Past simple
washed off
yesterday
Past participle
washed off
have + pp
-ing form
washing off
continuous
Hear "wash off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "wash off"
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Keep exploring
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