1. plural of bluing; a blue dye or pigment used to whiten or brighten fabrics, especially laundry
Usage: commonly used in laundry practices; also spelled 'blueing'
2. plural of bluing; a process or result of coating metal (especially steel) with a blue oxide layer for protection and appearance
Usage: technical/industrial term

Examples

• My grandmother added bluings to the wash to keep her white sheets bright.
• The laundry bluings were sold in small bottles at the general store.
• Different bluings were used to achieve various shades of blue in the fabric.
• The gunsmith applied bluings to protect the rifle barrel from rust.
• Traditional bluings gave the metal a deep, dark finish.