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lavadora

la-ba-DOH-ra/laβaˈðoɾa/

“lavadora” means “washing machine” in Spanish (household appliance).

washing machine

Also: washer
NounfA1
Argentina, Uruguay
A modern white washing machine with a circular glass door standing in a bright room.

📝 In Action

Puse la ropa sucia en la lavadora.

A1

I put the dirty clothes in the washing machine.

Esta lavadora es muy ruidosa cuando centrifuga.

A2

This washing machine is very noisy when it spins.

Si la lavadora se rompe, tendremos que lavar la ropa a mano.

B1

If the washing machine breaks, we will have to wash the clothes by hand.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • lavarropas (washing machine (used in parts of Latin America))
  • máquina de lavar (washing machine)

Common Collocations

  • poner la lavadora – to do a load of laundry / to start the washer
  • lavadora de carga frontal – front-loading washing machine
  • lavadora de carga superior – top-loading washing machine

Idioms & Expressions

  • lavadora de cerebros – something that performs brainwashing

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "lavadora" in Spanish:

washer→washing machine→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: lavadora

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'to do a load of laundry' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
lavar(to wash) — Verb
lavado(the wash / washing) — Noun
lavandería(laundromat / laundry room) — Noun
lavavajillas(dishwasher) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
secadoralicuadoracomputadora
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Spanish verb 'lavar' (to wash), which comes from the Latin 'lavare'. The suffix '-dora' was added to denote a machine or tool that performs the action.

First recorded: Early 20th century (referring to the modern appliance)

Cognates (Related words)

French: lave-lingePortuguese: lavadora

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'lavadora' used for a dishwasher too?

No. For dishes, you should use 'lavavajillas' or 'lavaplatos'. 'Lavadora' is specifically for clothes.

What is the difference between 'lavadora' and 'lavandería'?

A 'lavadora' is the machine itself. A 'lavandería' is the place (like a laundromat or a laundry room) where you go to wash clothes.

Does 'lavarropas' mean the same thing?

Yes, 'lavarropas' is a synonym used mainly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Note that 'lavarropas' is masculine (el lavarropas).