dry out

verb

dried out; drying out; dries out

intransitive verb

: to undergo an extended period of withdrawal from alcohol or drug use especially at a special clinic

Examples of dry out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prevent the area from fully drying out over the first few months as the small seedlings establish their root systems. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025

In 2024 that growth was dried out as the region experienced moderate drought conditions, including a period of eight months devoid of any measurable rainfall. —Tom Tapp, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025

To prevent overwatering, wait for the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. —Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025

Again, Francis recommends weekly wash days—as opposed to more frequent washing—since any more than that can dry out your curls. —Talia Gutierrez, Glamour, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dry out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Medical Definition

dry-out

1 of 2 adjective

ˈdrī-ˌau̇t 

: providing detoxification treatment

checked into a dry-out clinic

dry out

2 of 2 transitive verb

(ˈ)drī-ˈau̇t 

: to subject to withdrawal from the use of alcohol or drugs : detoxify sense 2

intransitive verb

: to undergo an extended period of withdrawal from alcohol or drug use especially at a special clinic : detoxify