Words / B1

wosh-ing-up-LIKW-id/ˌwɒʃɪŋ ʌp ˈlɪkwɪd/

Washing-up liquid (id: washing-up-liquid) is the soap for plates and pans (UK, usually uncountable). Washing-up is the job; the liquid is the product. US dish soap / dishwashing liquid. Laundry detergent is for clothes — a common mix-up. A squirt / a drop of washing-up liquid.

Meaning

Liquid soap for washing plates and pans (UK, often uncountable; US dish soap).

Examples

• “A squirt of washing-up liquid is enough for that pan.”
• “Washing-up liquid in the dishwasher will fill the kitchen with bubbles.”
• “We buy own-brand washing-up liquid at the supermarket.”

Good to know

washing-up liquid (UK, often uncountable). US: dish soap. Contrast: washing powder (clothes).

Near in meaning

dish soap

New