A washerman or launderer, especially in India. Someone whose occupation is washing clothes, typically by hand at a riverbank or washing place.
From Hindi धोबी (dhobī), derived from the verb धोना (dhonā) meaning 'to wash'. The word comes from Sanskrit धाव (dhāva) meaning 'to wash' or 'to cleanse'. British colonials adopted this term in the 18th-19th centuries when referring to the essential service of clothes washing in the Indian subcontinent, where dhobis formed a distinct occupational caste.
The famous 'dhobi ghat' (washing place) of Mumbai shows how one profession can create an entire urban landscape! These washermen developed such efficient systems that Mumbai's dhobi ghat became a tourist attraction and symbol of organized manual labor.
In South Asia, dhobis are traditionally washers/launders, a role historically performed by both men and women but increasingly feminized and low-wage; the term can mask labor exploitation and caste discrimination.
Use 'dhobi' specifically for the occupational role; when discussing labor conditions, specify gender and acknowledge exploitation of marginalized communities in laundry work.
["launderer","washworker"]
Dhobi women navigate intersecting caste and gender discrimination; labor organizers like those in Dhobi associations have fought for wages, dignity, and working conditions.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.