Meaning of "washhouse" in English

A "washhouse" is traditionally a designated building or room for laundry, where clothes and linens are washed by hand or with washing machines. Historically, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, washhouses were communal spaces where people from local communities would gather to do their washing. These facilities were often found in urban areas lacking private washing facilities. Modern interpretations of washhouses can include laundromats or laundry rooms in apartment complexes, providing a practical space for cleaning garments.

Meaning of "lavoir" in French

In French, a "lavoir" refers to a public washhouse, often found in rural villages and smaller towns. These structures date back to earlier centuries when they served as communal places where women gathered to wash clothes by hand using water from a nearby source. These spaces were typically roofed but open on the sides, offering protection from the elements while allowing for ventilation. Today, many old lavoirs are preserved as historical monuments, illustrating past community life and traditions in France.

Pronunciation of "washhouse" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈwɒʃhaʊs/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "washhouse" may vary slightly between British and American English. In British English, the first syllable can sound more like "wosh," while in American English, it can sound more like "wawsh." Regional accents may also affect the pronunciation subtly.

Pronunciation of "lavoir" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /lavoaʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "lavoir" remains largely consistent across different French-speaking regions. However, the 'r' at the end may be pronounced with a more guttural sound in some areas compared to others.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The old washhouse was restored as a community meeting space.
    (Le vieux lavoir a été rénové en espace de réunion communautaire.)

  2. She remembered her grandmother talking about the days spent in the washhouse.
    (Elle se souvenait de sa grand-mère parlant des journées passées au lavoir.)

  3. They built a new washhouse to accommodate more residents in the area.
    (Ils ont construit un nouveau lavoir pour accueillir plus de résidents dans la région.)

  4. The washhouse was closed for renovations last week.
    (Le lavoir a été fermé pour rénovations la semaine dernière.)

  5. There is a certain nostalgia associated with the old stone washhouse in the village.
    (Il y a une certaine nostalgie associée au vieux lavoir en pierre du village.)

  6. The washhouse project was sponsored by local businesses.
    (Le projet de lavoir a été parrainé par des entreprises locales.)

  7. The community washhouse is equipped with modern machines now.
    (Le lavoir communautaire est maintenant équipé de machines modernes.)

  8. Many historical washhouses are now protected as heritage sites.
    (De nombreux lavoirs historiques sont maintenant protégés en tant que sites patrimoniaux.)

  9. The washhouse smelled of soap and fresh laundry.
    (Le lavoir sentait le savon et le linge frais.)

  10. The traditional washhouse is a symbol of communal life in the past.
    (Le lavoir traditionnel est un symbole de la vie communautaire passée.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "washhouse" in English

Synonyms: laundry, laundromat, washroom, laundry room, utility room, scullery, washplace.

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: cleaning room, washing facility, laundry area, laundrette, wash station.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "lavoir" in French

Synonyms: buanderie, laverie, lavandière (for the washerwoman), blanchisserie.

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: station de lavage, espace de lavage.

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