freeze-dried; freeze-drying; freeze-dries
Synonyms of freeze-drynext

transitive verb

: to dry (something, such as food) in a frozen state under high vacuum especially for preservation

Examples of freeze-dry 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.
They’re seasoned with salt, sage, and rosemary and gently freeze-dried to lock in the rich, meaty flavor and protein. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026 Most dry dog foods are exposed to high heat during processing, but freeze-drying takes a different approach. Lyssanoel Frater, jsonline.com, 10 June 2026 Pet food covered by the legislation includes kibble, wet food, and fresh, frozen, and freeze-dried options. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026 The brew is concentrated and dried into coffee crystals through freeze-drying or spray-drying. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for freeze-dry

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of freeze-dry was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Freeze-dry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freeze-dry. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

freeze-dry

verb
ˈfrēz-ˈdrī
: to dry in a vacuum while frozen in order to preserve
freeze-dried foods

Medical Definition

freeze-dried; freeze-drying
: to dry and preserve (as food, vaccines, or tissue) in a frozen state under high vacuum
freeze-dried adjective
freeze-drying noun

More from Merriam-Webster on freeze-dry

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster