Laundering Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈlɔndərɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

the act or process of cleaning or purifying something, especially by washing or scrubbing, often referring to the reuse or recycling of resources or materials, such as fabric, water, or energy.

Examples

• The company implemented a laundering process to recycle and reuse water in their manufacturing facility.
• She took her clothes to the laundry service to get them laundered and starched.
• The environmental organization launched a campaign against the illegal laundering of pollutants into waterways.
• The hotel aims to reduce its carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient laundry systems.
• The fabric manufacturer developed a new laundering method to minimize water waste and reduce the environmental impact.

Etymology

Originating from the Old French term “lendier”, related to the Latin “linere”, meaning “to make clean”, the term “laundering” has evolved to encompass various forms of cleaning and purification across various industries and contexts.

Usage Notes

In formal or technical contexts, it’s common to use the term “laundering” specifically to refer to the cleaning or purification of materials or resources. In everyday language, people may use the term to describe any act of cleaning or washing, but the technical sense of the word remains prominent in industries like manufacturing or environmental conservation.

Cultural References

In popular culture, laundering is often referenced in films and TV shows that depict themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly practices.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idioms and phrases that include the word “laundering” include:

• “Whiter than laundered” (meaning something is pure or clean)
• “Clean as laundered” (meaning something is free from impurities or contaminants)

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related to “laundering” in meaning or usage include:

• Cleaning
• Purification
• Recycling
• Conservation
• Sustainability

Collocations

Common word combinations with the term “laundering” include:

• water laundering
• energy laundering
• fabric laundering
• waste laundering

Frequency of Use

The term “laundering” has become increasingly prevalent in modern language, especially in contexts related to environmentalism, sustainability, and eco-friendly practices.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings and variations of the word “laundering” include:

• Landering
• Landering
• Lendering