The Spanish word 'lavadora' (washing machine) comes from combining the verb 'lavar' (to wash) with the feminine agent suffix '-dora'. The verb 'lavar' itself derives from the Latin word 'lavare', meaning 'to wash'. The suffix '-dora' is used in Spanish to create feminine nouns that indicate either a person who does something or a machine/tool that performs an action. In this case, 'lavadora' literally means 'she/it who washes' or 'washing thing', which came to specifically refer to a washing machine.

Some simpler Spanish words that share this etymology include the basic verb 'lavar' (to wash), 'lavabo' (sink, washbasin), 'lavandería' (laundromat), and 'lavaplatos' (dishwasher). All these words share the root 'lav-' related to washing or cleaning. The suffix '-dora' appears in many other Spanish words for machines or people who do things, like 'computadora' (computer), 'secadora' (dryer), or 'trabajadora' (female worker).

While English 'laundry' comes from a different root, there are some English words that share the Latin 'lavare' ancestry, such as 'lavatory' (bathroom), 'lotion' (a washing preparation), and 'lavender' (the plant whose flowers were traditionally used to perfume washing water). These words maintain connections to the original concept of washing or cleaning.