Definition of shrivel
shriveled
orshrivelled
;shriveling
orshrivelling
play \ˈshri-vəl-iŋ, ˈsri-; ˈshriv-liŋ, ˈsriv-\intransitive verb
1 : to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture
2a : to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiencyb : dwindle
transitive verb
: to cause to shrivel
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Examples of shrivel in a Sentence
plants shriveling in the heat
Recent Examples of shrivel from the Web
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The tendril beside the stem that connects the watermelon to the vine will shrivel up.
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People found shelter from the 100-degree heat who might otherwise have shriveled in the sun.
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The town’s main business, grape farming, was shriveling.
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.
Origin and Etymology of shrivel
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1565
SHRIVEL Defined for English Language Learners
shrivel
playDefinition of shrivel for English Language Learners
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: to become dry and wrinkled from heat, cold, or old age
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: to cause (something) to become dry and wrinkled
SHRIVEL Defined for Kids
shrivel
playDefinition of shrivel for Students
shriveled
orshrivelled
;shriveling
orshrivelling
: to shrink and become dry and wrinkled
Learn More about shrivel
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See words that rhyme with shrivel Spanish Central: Translation of shrivel Nglish: Translation of shrivel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of shrivel for Arabic speakers
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