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

The smoky air dries out their respiratory tract, which puts them at greater risk. — Stella Canino-Quiñones, Washington Post, 17 July 2026

Cover the pan briefly while searing to help the meat heat through without drying out. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

This allows plants to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that attract pests. — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 15 July 2026

On top of that, vegetation is continuing to dry out, the Weather Service added. — Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 13 July 2026

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