lavavetri
/la.vaˈve.tri/
The Italian word for window cleaner is lavavetri.
lavavetri refers to a product used for cleaning windows.
Meaning: product (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of lava (from lavare, meaning to wash) and vetri (meaning windows or glass).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /la.vaˈve.tri/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While lavavetri is the product, a person whose job it is to clean windows is called a lavavetri as well. The word does not distinguish between the liquid in the bottle and the worker holding the squeegee.
- The verb component lava comes from the same root as the English word 'lavatory'. Both trace back to the Latin 'lavare', meaning 'to wash'.
- In a car, the 'windshield wiper fluid' is called lavavetri. However, the physical wiper blades themselves are called tergicristalli, which literally translates to 'glass scrapers'.
Examples in context
- Il pulitore di vetri è molto bravo nel suo lavoro.The window cleaner is very skilled at his job.
- Ho comprato un nuovo lavavetri.I bought a new window cleaner.
- Questo lavavetri profuma di limone.This window cleaner smells like lemon.
- Manca il lavavetri in questo mobile.The window cleaner is missing from this cabinet.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are cleaning the house together.
- SofiaLorenzo, hai preso il lavavetri?Lorenzo, did you get the window cleaner?
- LorenzoSì, è qui sul tavolo.Yes, it is here on the table.
- SofiaOttimo, allora iniziamo subito.Great, let's start right away.
- LorenzoVa bene, io pulisco i vetri.Okay, I'll clean the panes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lavavetri, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lavavetri, CC BY-SA 4.0.
