Definition of laundry

The origin of the word "laundry" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "hlān" and meant "whiteness" or "brightness." This root can be seen in the related words "bleach" and "blanch," both of which share the same idea of lightening or brightening something. In its original usage, "hlān" referred to the process of washing cloth in order to whiten and cleanse it, especially in preparation for church or religious ceremonies. The term "hlān" was also applied to the ritual washing of linen cloths that were used to cover altars or to shield the communion table from spills and stains. Over time, the meaning of "hlān" evolved to include not just the act of washing and cleaning cloth, but also the space where this was done. The word "launderie" first appeared in Middle English, where it referred to a special building or structure that was used for washing and bathing, as well as other household chores. Today, the word "laundry" is commonly used to refer to the storage or treatment area where clothes are washed and dried, especially in larger buildings such as hospitals, hotels, or college dormitories. It can also refer to the process of washing and folding dirty clothes, either by hand or by machine. In summary, the word "laundry" originated as a term for the whitening and brightening of cloth through washing, and has since evolved to encompass the full range of activities and spaces related to laundering and cleaning.