rinse

1 of 3

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 3

noun (1)

1

: the act or process of rinsing

2

a

: liquid used for rinsing

b

: a solution that temporarily tints hair

rinser

3 of 3

noun (2)

rins·​er

"+ə(r)

plural -s

1

: one that rinses

2

: a utensil used to hold water for rinsing

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 (1)

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

In her view, the benefit of rinsing to cut sodium outweighs the small dip in vitamin content. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

The Right Way to Clean an AC Unit Huckstadt recommends cleaning your AC unit by turning off its power, gently rinsing its exterior fins with your garden hose, and applying a coil cleaner if necessary. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 6 Aug. 2026

Noun

An extra rinse and adding white vinegar to the washer softens towels and removes excess detergent. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

The experience starts with the Roaring Jewel Martini, made with Beluga Gold Line Vodka, a dry vermouth rinse, a float of Billecart-Salmon Champagne Le Réserve, and a spoonful of Beluga caviar. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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 (1)

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