shrivel

verb

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shriv·el | \ ˈshri-vəl

, especially Southern ˈsri- \

shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling\ ˈshri-vəl-iŋ

, ˈsri- ; ˈshriv-liŋ , ˈsriv- \

Definition of shrivel

intransitive verb

1 : to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture

2a : to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiency

b : dwindle

transitive verb

: to cause to shrivel

Examples of shrivel in a Sentence

plants shriveling in the heat

Recent Examples on the Web When temperatures began to soar in Uttar Pradesh state several weeks ago, Shukla’s wheat crops began to shrivel and his cows provided less milk. — Washington Post, 9 May 2022 Allow the ends of the affected plumeria, also known as frangipani shrubs, to shrivel a little and die back to healthy plant portions. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 26 Feb. 2022 Critics have perennially predicted that the popularity of Apple’s signature smartphone will wear off, and the company will shrivel. — Larry Light, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2022 Runners took up the theme in their unique way, vowing not to shrivel and shrink from the Boston Marathon but to return and reclaim it in 2014. — Amby Burfoot, Outside Online, 7 Oct. 2021 Sacrifice bunts would shrivel up and automatic intentional walks to face the pitcher would vanish, too. — Tim Bielik, cleveland, 31 Oct. 2021 Sacrifice bunts would shrivel up and automatic intentional walks to face the pitcher would vanish, too. — Ben Walker, ajc, 31 Oct. 2021 Sacrifice bunts would shrivel up, and automatic intentional walks to face the pitcher would vanish, too. — Ben Walker, courant.com, 31 Oct. 2021 Levi’s hollow characters would instantly shrivel if subjected to this level of sociological scrutiny. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shrivel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.