Etymology Map
Back to all words

Dhobi

3 stages from Hindi to English.

Today it means a washerman or washerwoman in South Asia

Where does the word "dhobi" come from? It comes from Hindi dhonā, passing through Hindi before entering English (1810s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
dhonā
Hindi · medieval
"to wash"
to wash
2
Stage 2 of 3
dhobī
Hindi · medieval
"washerman"
a washerman; Mumbai's Dhobi Ghat is a vast open-air laundry
3
Stage 3 of 3
dhobi
English · 1810s
"washerman"
borrowed in Anglo-Indian households
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Dhobi’s story begins in Hindi: dhonā meant “to wash.” To wash. Within Hindi, it grew into dhobī by medieval. A washerman; Mumbai's Dhobi Ghat is a vast open-air laundry. It reached English by 1810s as dhobi. Borrowed in Anglo-Indian households. Today, dhobi means a washerman or washerwoman in South Asia.