dry-clean

verb

ˈdrī-ˌklēn 

dry-cleaned; dry-cleaning; dry-cleans

transitive verb

: to subject to dry cleaning

intransitive verb

: to undergo dry cleaning

dry-cleanable

ˈdrī-ˈklē-nə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of dry-clean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The firm is also no longer pursuing a new business-to-business dry-cleaning business that would have made use of its mammoth cleaning operation. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

The investment also positions the business to meet federal requirements that are phasing out the use of PERC in dry-cleaning operations. — Jane Imbody, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Sep. 2026

Engineers have devised a new way for astronauts to dry-clean their dirty laundry. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Specifically, that 2001 testing showed the carcinogenic solvent and dry-cleaning chemical perchloroethylene, or PCE, in the soil at levels as high as 6,658 micrograms per liter, said Alysa Pakkidis, information officer for the agency. — Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for dry-clean

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

Kids Definition

dry-clean

verb

ˈdrī-ˌklēn

: to clean (fabrics) with chemical solvents

dry-cleanable

-ˈklē-nə-bəl

adjective

dry cleaner noun

dry cleaning noun