-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
dry out
verb
dried out; drying out; dries out
: 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
Space your plants out to provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024
To Enrich the Soil Ground covers offer a protective layer over the topsoil, preventing it from drying out too much during warmer temperatures and retaining moisture throughout the winter.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2024
This can be done when the ground dries out between now and before plants are really putting on new growth (April-May).
—Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2024
Heat waves also dry out soil and vegetation, harming crops and raising the risk of wildfires.
—Delger Erdenesanaa, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024
By Thursday, North Texas will begin to dry out up until at least Sunday with highs in the 70s, and by Friday afternoon highs in the 80s are possible for much of the area, the NWS states.
—David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2024
Forecasters fear the next few fire seasons could be particularly active for California deserts, as two years of above-normal precipitation have fueled the growth of grasses and small shrubs that will dry out in the spring and summer.
—Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
Glycerin keeps the toothpaste from drying out, while sorbitol helps keep it smooth and sweet without any sugar.
—Jessica Booth, Parents, 10 Mar. 2024
As a result, the weather dried out the soil where crawfish burrow to lay eggs.
—Sara Cline, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dry out.' 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
1892, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near dry out
Cite this Entry
“Dry out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry%20out. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Medical Definition
dry-out
1 of 2 adjective
: providing detoxification treatment
checked into a dry-out clinic
dry out
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to subject to withdrawal from the use of alcohol or drugs : detoxify sense 2
: to undergo an extended period of withdrawal from alcohol or drug use especially at a special clinic : detoxify
More from Merriam-Webster on dry out
Britannica English: Translation of dry out for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share