rinse

verb \ ˈrin(t)s , dialectal ˈrench \

Updated on: 8 Apr 2018

Definition of rinse

rinsed; rinsing

transitive verb

1 : to cleanse by flushing with liquid (such as water) —often used with out

rinse out the mouth

2 a : to cleanse (as of soap) by clear water

b : to treat (hair) with a rinse

3 : to remove (dirt or impurities) by washing lightly or in water only

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rinser

noun

See rinse defined for English-language learners

See rinse defined for kids

Examples of rinse in a Sentence

I rinsed my face in the sink.
He washed the dishes and then rinsed them thoroughly.
The tools were rinsed in alcohol.
She rinsed the dirt off the lettuce.
He rinsed the soap out of the cup.

Recent Examples of rinse from the Web

Don’t rinse the pasta with cold water after it’s cooked, as the starches help the sauce cling to the pasta.

— susan russo, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Easy recipes for a pasta party," 2 Apr. 2018
After washing and rinsing dishes, drain them on a plastic or wooden drying rack before wiping with a soft cloth and putting away.

— alysha witwicki, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Easter brunch menu is equally special for any spring affair," 28 Mar. 2018
First, my partner and I were asked to remove our shoes and rinse our mouth and hands in a knee-high marble sink at the bottom of the stairs.

— ethan varian, Los Angeles Magazine, "Joan Didion’s Famous Former Hollywood House Is Now a New-Age Spiritual Retreat," 28 Mar. 2018
If using thawed frozen scallops, rinse off any ice; pat scallops dry with a paper towel.

— kim sunée, Anchorage Daily News, "How to bring out the best in wild Alaska scallops," 22 Mar. 2018
Almost any type of container can be used, from bushel baskets, metal drums, and gallon cans to plastic tubs, wooden boxes and well-rinsed cut-off bleach jugs.

— OregonLive.com, "No room for a vegetable garden? Create space with potted plants," 13 Mar. 2018
According to University of Hawaii at Manoa study, the best way to treat a sting is to rinse the wound with vinegar to remove any residual stingers and bits of tentacles and then immerse in hot water or apply a hot compress to the area.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Portuguese Man O' War remain, Purple flags up at Gulf Shores, Orange Beach," 1 Mar. 2018
The best beaches in America, according to TripAdvisor Gizmodo reported in May 2017 that the best treatment is to rinse the wound with vinegar to remove the tentacles and stingers, then immerse the wound in hot water around 113 F for 45 minutes.

— heather leighton, Houston Chronicle, "Don't touch these beautiful creatures on Texas beaches this warm season," 27 Feb. 2018
Scoop the mixture into a bowl, cover to keep warm, and rinse out the skillet.

— joe yonan, charlotteobserver, "Change up your grain bowl: Make a pot of polenta | Charlotte Observer," 7 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rinse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rinse

Middle English rincen, from Anglo-French rincer, alteration of Old French recincier, from Vulgar Latin *recentiare, from Latin recent-, recens fresh, recent

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

rinse Synonyms

Synonyms

flush, irrigate, sluice, wash, wash out;

Related Words

deluge, engulf, flood, inundate, swamp;

flow, gush, rush, stream;

drench, saturate, soak;

douse (also dowse), slosh, splash;

rinse

noun

Definition of rinse

1 : the act or process of rinsing

2 a : liquid used for rinsing

b : a solution that temporarily tints hair

See rinse defined for English-language learners

Examples of rinse in a Sentence

She dunked the dish in the rinse water.
Use sanitizing rinse on the scissors.
a bottle of hair rinse

Recent Examples of rinse from the Web

Measuring Spoons Rimmed Baking Sheet Paper Towels Tongs Spoon Blender Place a rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 425°. Start by assembling all the ingredients for the salsa: Remove husks from 12 oz. tomatillos and rinse.

— claire saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Chipotle-Rubbed Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner," 26 Mar. 2018
Many allergy sufferers also find relief in over-the-counter products such as the neti pot and other nasal rinses for sinus problems.

— elizabeth landau, CNN, "Sad in the spring? Allergy-mood link is real," 23 Mar. 2018
Remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry.

— Fox News, "Chef Mark Bailey's Last-Minute Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner!," 14 Feb. 2018
Drain pasta, rinse under cold water, and stir into egg mixture.

— barbara chernetz, Redbook, "Look, Cook, Eat! Spaghetti Pie," 31 Jan. 2012
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Drain, lightly rinse, and dry turkey.

— Country Living, "Spice-Rubbed Turkey Wrapped in Prosciutto," 28 Sep. 2010
Meanwhile, rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve, stirring with your fingers, until liquid runs mostly clear.

— andy baraghani, Bon Appetit, "Confetti Rice with Chicken in Spicy Garlic Broth," 19 Mar. 2018
Hundreds of billions of gallons get flushed out to the ocean—rinse and repeat each winter.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "California’s Water Hole," 6 Mar. 2018
For shirataki, drain, rinse with cold water followed by hot water, and drain again.

— Sunset, "Celebration Hot Pot," 22 Jan. 2018