laundromat

== English == === 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. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈlɔːndɹəʊˌmæt/, /ˈlɔːndɹəmæt/ (cot–caught merger) IPA(key): /ˈlɑn.dɹəˌmæt/ (General Australian) IPA(key): /ˈloːn.dɹə.mæt/ === Noun === laundromat (plural laundromats) (US, Canada, Australia) 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. A money laundering operation. ==== Synonyms ==== (self-service laundry facility): launderette, laundrette, washeteria, washery, washette, coin laundry (money-laundering operation): launderette ==== Hypernyms ==== (self-service laundry facility): laundry ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === laundromat on Wikipedia.Wikipedia