launder
word
Definition
To wash clothes, sheets, or similar things. It can also mean to hide the illegal origin of money by putting it through legal businesses, known as money laundering.
Usage & Nuances
'Launder' is formal when referring to washing clothes, but most commonly used in a legal or criminal context as 'launder money.' Colloquially, people usually just say 'wash clothes,' not 'launder.' Watch for 'money laundering' (noun).
Example Sentences
I need to launder these shirts before the trip.
basic
They launder towels every day at the hotel.
basic
Criminals sometimes launder money through fake businesses.
basic
We dropped off our clothes at the dry cleaner to get them laundered and pressed.
natural
The government is working to stop people who launder money from drug sales.
natural
You don't really hear people say 'I need to launder my jeans'—they usually say 'wash' instead.
natural