dry-cleaned; dry-cleaning; dry-cleans

transitive verb

: to subject to dry cleaning

intransitive verb

: to undergo dry cleaning
dry-cleanable adjective

Examples of dry-clean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Elaborate fabric treatments, such as Roman shades or any panel with lining and trim, typically need to be dry-cleaned. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2024 Always be sure to refer to the tag on your comforter, as many down comforters are dry-clean only. Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024 What to Consider The fabric can only be dry-cleaned. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2023 The union said the AMPTP refused proposals to increase penalties against studios for failing to provide actors with meal and rest breaks, and offered inadequate dry-cleaning compensation for actors who are required to bring their own costumes. Samantha Chery, Washington Post, 18 July 2023 Clorox cleaning experts advise removing any gum left in fabric fibers with a dry-cleaning solvent ($9, Walmart) before treating the remaining stain. 3. Ann Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2023 On October 17, Fox was spotted in the streets of London wearing a literal dry-cleaning pick-up as a dress, complete with a plastic bag covering the clothes. Gabi Thorne, Allure, 19 Oct. 2023 For care, the brand recommends hand-washing or dry-cleaning the sweater. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 19 Oct. 2023 Do note, however, that this set is dry-clean only, so keeping this one crisp and clean may be challenging (or expensive, to say the least). Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dry-clean.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry-clean was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near dry-clean

Cite this Entry

“Dry-clean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry-clean. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dry-clean

verb
ˈdrī-ˌklēn
: to clean (fabrics) with chemical solvents
dry-cleanable
-ˈklē-nə-bəl
adjective
dry cleaner noun
dry cleaning noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dry-clean

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!