laundromat
/ˈlɔːndɹəʊˌmæt/ noun
Forms laundromats
- noun (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) A self-service laundry facility with (traditionally) coin-operated (which now may use other per-load payment methods) washing machines, dryers, and sometimes ironing or pressing machines, open to the public for washing clothing and household cloth items.
- noun A money laundering operation.
Synonyms
launderette laundrette washeteria washery washette coin laundry
Etymology
Blend of laundry + automatic. From Laundromat, (former) trademark (1940s) of Westinghouse Electric Corporation for its washing machines, coined by Westinghouse publicist George Edward Pendray.
Sources: Wiktionary — from the Wiktionary entry “laundromat”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details