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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Editors love Skintimate Skin Therapy for Sensitive Skin, which builds to a nice lather and doesn’t dry out skin. Eden Stuart, Allure, 29 May 2026 To keep them fresh even longer, wrap each corn cob individually in a damp paper towel to keep the kernels from drying out. Staff Author, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026 Make sure there is plenty of space between plants to allow air to move through and dry out the leaves. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026 After your shower, visible steam should disappear within a few minutes, and the room should dry out within 30 minutes. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dry out

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dry out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry%20out. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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
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