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

When planted together, onions will help to keep your tomatoes pest-free, and tomatoes’ larger leaves can shield the soil around your onions and prevent them from drying out as quickly. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026

Dimethicone gives the formula its silky texture while trimethylsiloxysilicate locks the color in place for long-lasting wear (without drying out the lips). —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 10 May 2026

Also make sure to water frequently, as containers are prone to drying out. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 May 2026

That warmer pattern could quickly dry out soils again and increase concerns about worsening drought conditions heading deeper into May. —Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 8 May 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