lavatrice
/la.vaˈtri.t͡ʃe/feminine
The Italian word for washing machine is lavatrice.
lavatrice is a noun used to refer to a machine that washes clothes.
Meaning: machine that washes clothes (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining the verb lavare (to wash) with the suffix -atrice, which denotes a machine or an agent that performs an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
lavatrice is a feminine noun, so it uses the feminine article la when saying la lavatrice (the washing machine). The plural form of the word is lavatrici.
How do you pronounce it?
/la.vaˈtri.tʃe/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of lavatrice, lavare, is the ancestor of English words like 'lavatory' and 'lavish', though the latter evolved to mean 'extravagant' through the idea of 'washing' in luxury.
- In Italy, the lavatrice is often paired with an asciugatrice, but many households prefer to dry clothes outdoors on lines or racks due to the sunny climate.
- In an Italian household, you might hear someone say fare la lavatrice to mean 'run the washing machine', treating the machine almost like an activity.
Examples in context
- Ci diede una lavatrice.She gave us a washing machine.This sentence shows someone giving a washing machine.Tatoeba #7805031 by Guybrush88, translation #7772325 by sharris123
- Si è rotta la lavatrice.The washing machine has broken down.This sentence describes a broken washing machine.Tatoeba #1591027 by Guybrush88, translation #1588697 by Grim_fandango
- La lavatrice è su "stop".The washing machine is on "stop".This sentence indicates that the washing machine is on the stop setting.Tatoeba #1105388 by Guybrush88, translation #4823532 by whitefishglobal
- Maria ha bisogno di una nuova lavatrice per la sua casa.Maria needs a new washing machine for her house.
- Ho comprato una nuova lavatrice per casa mia, funziona benissimo!I bought a new washing machine for my house, it works great!
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing household chores.
- AlessandroSofia, dove hai messo la lavatrice?Sofia, where did you put the washing machine?
- SofiaLa lavatrice è nel bagno, Alessandro.The washing machine is in the bathroom, Alessandro.
- AlessandroÈ già accesa la lavatrice?Is the washing machine already on?
- SofiaSì, sta lavando i tuoi vestiti.Yes, it is washing your clothes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “washing machine” translations and entries lavatrice, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
