A dishrag is a small cloth used for washing dishes, wiping down counters, and cleaning up spills in the kitchen. It's usually made of cotton or another absorbent material that can soak up water and soap. You might use a dishrag to scrub a dirty plate, wipe crumbs off the table after dinner, or clean the sink.

Some people call it a dishcloth instead. After you use a dishrag, you rinse it out and let it dry so it doesn't start to smell.

You might hear someone say a person looks “like a dishrag” when they're completely exhausted and worn out, drooping with tiredness. This comparison works because a dishrag that's been used all day gets limp, soggy, and wrung out, just like you might feel after an especially long, tiring day.