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

Squeeze some toothpaste on, scrub around for a couple minutes, rinse and get on with your day. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026

Leading off the bathroom is a small brick courtyard and an outdoor shower, ideal to rinse off after a dip in your pool, but not private enough to take the place of the indoor one. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Noun

Other antiseptic ingredients common in over-the-counter rinses, including cetylpyridinium chloride, essential oils, iodine and hydrogen peroxide found in some Colgate, Crest and Listerine products, may produce similar effects with long-term use. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

At your next cleaning, ask whether your current rinse is actually solving a problem or creating one. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 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