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shrivel

verb shriv·el \ ˈshri-vəl , especially Southern ˈsri- \
|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of shrivel

shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling play \ˈshri-vəl-iŋ, ˈsri-; ˈshriv-liŋ, ˈsriv-\
intransitive verb
1 : to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture
2 a : to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiency
b : dwindle
transitive verb
: to cause to shrivel

See shrivel defined for English-language learners

See shrivel defined for kids

Examples of shrivel in a Sentence

  1. plants shriveling in the heat

Recent Examples of shrivel from the Web

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

SHRIVEL Defined for English Language Learners

shrivel

verb

Definition of shrivel for English Language Learners

  • : to become dry and wrinkled from heat, cold, or old age

  • : to cause (something) to become dry and wrinkled

SHRIVEL Defined for Kids

shrivel

verb shriv·el \ ˈshri-vəl \

Definition of shrivel for Students

shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling
: to shrink and become dry and wrinkled

Learn More about shrivel

  1. 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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