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

Soap Scum While people may consider soap scum just leftover soap that didn't properly rinse away, the science surrounding soap scum isn't quite that straightforward. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026

Mix together 1/3 cup of both vinegar and baking soda in a bowl before pouring down your sink and letting the solution sit for an hour before rinsing with hot water. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 May 2026

Noun

Add a small amount to a mason jar, rinse and drain them, and then repeat that rinse twice a day. —Angela Haupt, Time, 8 May 2026

If buildup is particularly stubborn, Alexis Trinidad, another TikTok cleaning enthusiast, recommends adding a small amount of Dawn dish soap to the dryer sheet for additional grime-cutting power and a cleaner rinse. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 May 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