What is a "washing machine"?

A washing machine is a household appliance used for washing clothes. It uses a combination of water, detergent, and mechanical action to remove dirt and stains from clothes. The washing machine typically has a drum or basin that holds the clothes, which is filled with water and detergent. The drum rotates, agitating the clothes and allowing the detergent to penetrate the fabric. After the wash cycle, the water is drained and the clothes are spun at high speeds to remove excess water. Modern washing machines often come with various features such as different wash cycles for different types of fabrics, automatic dispensing of detergent, and energy-efficient settings.