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wash with

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

To clean something using a particular substance or implement.

In plain English

To use soap, water, or another liquid to clean something.

What does "wash with" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

To clean something or someone using a specified substance or tool.

"Wash the wound with clean water and a mild antiseptic."

inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To clean one's body or a body part using a specified product.

"She always washes her face with cold water in the morning."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To wash using a particular thing — fully transparent.

Actually means

To use soap, water, or another liquid to clean something.

Usage tip

Often used in instructions or recipes. Common in both British and American English. Not typically listed as a true phrasal verb in most dictionaries—it functions more as a verb + prepositional phrase—but is included here for learner reference.

Words that pair with "wash with"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

soap water detergent shampoo cloth disinfectant

How to conjugate "wash with"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
wash with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
washes with
he/she/it
Past simple
washed with
yesterday
Past participle
washed with
have + pp
-ing form
washing with
continuous

Hear "wash with" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "wash with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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