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

Couples can get messy together at Sulphur Springs (where the mud baths are reputed to heal sunburn and soothe sore joints) and rinse off under a 50-foot-tall waterfall. —Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

Scrub the grates with an old rag or abrasive dish sponge and rinse well. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

Noun

Pour the mixture into a colander and rinse with cool water. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 31 May 2026

There is also a hand and arm massage and then another scalp massage and then a cooling down of the steaming before the final rinse. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 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