Washington McLean (May 1816 – December 8, 1890) was an American businessman of Scottish ancestry best known as the owner of the Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper.

McLean acquired a share position in the Cincinnati Enquirer to be partners with editor James J. Faran.

Their son, John, purchased his father's remaining fifty percent in the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1881 and went on to acquire The Washington Post in 1905.

In the nation's capital, he made large and successful investments in real estate that expanded his wealth.

He died there on December 8, 1890, and although initially was to be returned to Cincinnati for burial, he was interred in a mausoleum in Washington's Rock Creek Cemetery.