rinsed; rinsing
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
1
: the act or process of rinsing
2
a
: liquid used for rinsing
b
: a solution that temporarily tints hair
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
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
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Many car rental companies have policies around pet hair, too, so protecting the seats with blankets and taking the car to a car wash for a vacuum and rinse before dropping off isn’t a bad idea to prevent cleaning fees.
—Jessie Quinn, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rinse
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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
Submerge cleaned pots in the solution for 10 minutes, rinse, and dry.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Many car rental companies have policies around pet hair, too, so protecting the seats with blankets and taking the car to a car wash for a vacuum and rinse before dropping off isn’t a bad idea to prevent cleaning fees.
—Jessie Quinn, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rinse
Cite this Entry
“Rinse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rinse. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rinse
1 of 2 verb
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 noun1
: an act of rinsing
2
a
: liquid used for rinsing
b
: a solution that temporarily tints hair
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