shrivel

verb

shriv·​el ˈshri-vəl 

especially Southern ˈsri-

shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling 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

Examples of shrivel in a Sentence

plants shriveling in the heat

Recent Examples on the Web

For decades, so much water has been taken that the river seldom meets the sea in Mexico, and its delta, once filled with lush wetlands and forests, has shriveled to stretches of dry riverbed. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Remove sprouts and avoid potatoes that are soft, shriveled, green, or have long sprouts to stay safe. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 19 July 2026

Avoid berries that are soft or appear mushy or shriveled as these are indications that the fruit is past its prime. — Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

Check monthly for signs of shriveling (add moisture), blackening or softening (discard). — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for shrivel

• civil
• divil
• drivel
• swivel
• uncivil

Kids Definition

shrivel

verb

shriv·​el ˈshriv-əl 

shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling -(ə-)liŋ 

: to shrink and become dry and wrinkled