All Words
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Word of the Day

ablution

noun

The act of washing oneself; a ceremonial washing as a religious rite. Often used in plural to refer to the routine of washing and grooming.

Intermediate - Known to most educated speakers

Etymology

From Latin "ablutio" (a washing away), from "abluere" (to wash away), from "ab" (away) + "luere" (to wash). Shares roots with "dilute" and "pollution."

Examples in Use

  • 1.

    "The monks began each day with ritual ablutions in the sacred spring."

  • 2.

    "After his morning ablutions, he felt ready to face the day."

  • 3.

    "Islamic tradition requires ablutions before prayer five times daily."

Related Vocabulary

Synonyms

washingcleansingbathingpurification

Related Words

ritualhygieneceremonylavation

Fun Fact

Ritual ablution appears in nearly every world religion. In Judaism (mikvah), Islam (wudu), Hinduism (snana), and Shinto (misogi), water purification symbolizes spiritual cleansing and preparation for the sacred.

Word Game Tips

Letters: 8 letters (A, B, L, U, T, I, O, N)

Scrabble Value: 10 points

Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "AB" at the start of words.

Put Your Vocabulary to the Test!

Ready to find words like "ablution" in a puzzle? Try today's Zabble challenge!