air-dry

1 of 2

adjective

ˈer-ˈdrī 

: dry to such a degree that no further moisture is given up on exposure to air

air-dry

2 of 2

verb

air-dried; air-drying; air-dries

transitive verb

: to dry by exposure to air

intransitive verb

: to become dry by exposure to air

Examples of air-dry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Once the stain is gone, blot again with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue and allow the upholstery to air-dry completely. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Then store the parts separately to allow them to air-dry completely; do not reassemble the unit until all the parts are completely dry. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026

Verb

The piece consists of 38 small sculptures, each on its own shelf, each sculpted out of air-dry clay. — Robert Boyd, Chron, 22 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1846, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1799, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for air-dry

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny