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

The easiest method is to place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water for 20 to 30 seconds, moving it around with your hands to ensure all the quinoa is evenly rinsed. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026

Brush salt mixture off each yolk, then carefully rinse under cold running water to remove any remaining salt (yolks should be semi-firm, bright, and translucent). —Christopher Kostow, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026

Noun

Aquariums are positioned above these trenches such that flow through sea water and aquarium tank rinse water can be discharged directly to the collection system. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026

Once the stain breaks down, gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse with warm water, and wipe dry. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 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