Dictionary

A lime and water mixture for painting walls and fences bright white.

A complete victory or series of victories without suffering any losses; a clean sweep.

Any liquid composition for whitening something, such as a wash for making the skin fair.

A campaign to paper over unfavorable elements.

To paint over with a lime and water mixture so as to brighten up a wall or fence.

Example: The houses looked very bright when they whitewashed the whole neighborhood.

To cover over errors or bad actions.

Example: In his sermon, the minister didn't try to whitewash over the sins of his church.

To repay the financial debts of (another person).

(late, 19th century) To prevent a team from scoring any runs.