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

This further dries out the outside of the tenderloin. —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

Let the topsoil dry out slightly before watering again. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025

Conversations that once happened behind the scenes—about coils drying out under helmets, braids frizzing from sweat, or how to keep curls hydrated on game day—are finally being uplifted, validated, and supported at the highest level of sports. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 25 Nov. 2025

The tight-fitting lid, adorned with a holly branch and gold knob, keeps steam circulating in the pot so meats and grains won’t dry out. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Nov. 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