launderette

• laundrette

Genericized trademark of Launderette; originally a proprietary name (1940s) of Bendix corporation, from launder +‎ -ette.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /lɔːnˈdɹɛt/

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

• (General American) IPA^(key): /lɔndəˈɹɛt/
• Rhymes: -ɛt

launderette (plural launderettes)

1. A place that has facilities for washing and drying clothes that the public may pay to use.
2. A money laundering operation.
   • 2000, Guy Stessens, Money Laundering: A New International Law Enforcement Model, page 133:

     The distinction is by no means watertight as any 'money launderette' may become a money launderer – and hence be guilty of a money laundering offence – the moment it knowingly engages in a money laundering operation.

   • 2009, Christine Jojarth, Crime, War, and Global Trafficking, page 140:

     From drug money to terrorist finance: the launderette's many different washing cycles

   • 2015, Ibrahim Abdul Abubakar, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing, page 63:

     This is a stage at which the proceeds of illegal activity are introduced into the financial system and therefore it is the most vulnerable stage in the launderette. Perhaps this is why anti-money laundering measures are concerned about “Know Your Customer Principle.

• (self-service laundry facility): laundromat (North America), laundrette (UK), washateria, washeteria, washery, washette, coin laundry
• (money-laundering operation): laundromat