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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web On tap this week The wet weather will wrap up on Wednesday morning and the Bay Area will dry out as a ridge of high pressure prevents clouds from developing. Michelle Apon, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2023 If the plant is not allowed to dry out between watering, black spots may appear on the antler leaves. Mike Harrelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2023 The weather service said this weekend's strong winds and dry weather could help to dry out some muddy roads across the high country. Sydney Carruth, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2023 These holes help dry out the mat and keep mold growth away. Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 2 Mar. 2023 This causes plants to dry out quickly when the soil surface dries, which can happen fast on a hot, sunny day. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2023 Through the rest of next week, the weather service is anticipating that conditions will dry out until Tuesday when there is a 20% of rain, Smith said. Jeremy Yurow, The Arizona Republic, 4 Dec. 2022 Talcum powder can make the skin dry out by reducing the production of natural oils of the skin. Ava Darrin, ELLE, 26 Aug. 2022 Though some parts of Southern California were expected to see lingering moisture early Friday morning, most areas were expected to dry out by the early afternoon. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2022 See More

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry out was in 1892

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 1 Apr. 2023.

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

intransitive verb

: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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