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

Cover with a loose-fitting lid to prevent starter from drying out. — Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026

Plants perform best in moist soils and tolerate clay, so long as it is not allowed to dry out. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer uses lightweight, shine-controlling ingredients to diffuse the look of pores and texture without drying out mature skin. — Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026

When conditions dry out, thick vegetation across grass, brush, and the edges of the Everglades can ignite easily and spread rapidly. — David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 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