English Explanatory Dictionary

laundromat

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A self-service laundry facility with (traditionally) coin-operated (which now may use other per-load payment methods) washing machines, dryers, and sometimes ironing or pressing machines, open to the public for washing clothing and household cloth items.
  2. A money laundering operation.

Pronunciation

/ˈlɔːndɹəʊˌmæt/ /ˈlɔːndɹəmæt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-laundromat.wav /ˈlɑn.dɹəˌmæt/ /ˈloːn.dɹə.mæt/

Word forms

laundromat laundromats

Etymology

Blend of laundry + automatic. From Laundromat, (former) trademark (1940s) of Westinghouse Electric Corporation for its washing machines, coined by Westinghouse publicist George Edward Pendray.

Synonyms

launderette laundrette washeteria washery washette coin laundry

Related words

automat automatic laundry

Derived words

laundromatting
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