'washstand' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound of the verb 'wash' and the noun 'stand', where 'wash' meant 'to cleanse' and 'stand' meant 'an upright support or perch.'

'wash' comes from Old English 'wæscan' (to wash) and 'stand' from Old English 'standan' (to stand); these elements were combined in post-medieval English into the compound 'washstand' referring to a stand for a basin.

Initially it denoted a stand or piece of furniture for holding a basin used for washing; over time the term has remained largely the same, though it is now somewhat archaic and often replaced by 'washbasin' or 'sink' in modern usage.