rinse

1 of 2

verb

ˈrin(t)s 

dialectal

ˈrench 

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

rinser noun

rinse

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act or process of rinsing

2

a

: liquid used for rinsing

b

: a solution that temporarily tints hair

Synonyms of rinse

Verb

• wash
• flush

Examples of rinse in a Sentence

Verb

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.

Noun

She dunked the dish in the rinse water.

Use sanitizing rinse on the scissors.

a bottle of hair rinse

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Open the umbrella completely, and rinse it thoroughly with a normal garden hose. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026

After taking care to wash down and sanitize any surfaces used to rinse the ribs or surfaces near the rinsing area, wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026

Noun

While Brosh, a veteran of the industry, now has 23 properties in his stable, his is no rinse-and-repeat operation. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2026

While no actual showers are possible, each astronaut has a personal kit including no-rinse shampoo, baby wipes, toothbrushes and shaving accessories. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rinse

• pre-rinse

Rhymes for rinse

• mince
• prince
• quince
• since
• wince
• convince
• evince

Kids Definition

rinse

1 of 2 verb

ˈrin(t)s 

rinsed; rinsing

1

a

: to wash lightly with water

rinse out your mouth

rinse the apple before you eat it

b

: to clean off with clear water the soap left over from washing

rinse the dishes

2

: to treat (hair) with a rinse

rinser noun

rinse

2 of 2 noun

1

: an act of rinsing

2

a

: liquid used for rinsing

b

: a solution that temporarily tints hair