shrivel

verb

shriv·​el ˈshri-vəl How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
especially Southern ˈsri-
shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling ˈshri-vəl-iŋ How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
ˈsri-;
ˈshriv-liŋ
ˈsriv-
Synonyms of shrivelnext

intransitive verb

1
: to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture
2
a
: to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiency
b

transitive verb

: to cause to shrivel

Examples of shrivel in a Sentence

plants shriveling in the heat
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The skin split, the ends were shriveled, and the texture was limp. Dianna Douglas, NPR, 28 June 2026 The moss should shrivel and dry up very quickly. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 June 2026 As the disease progresses, the lesions grow together on a single leaf, and the entire leaf turns brown, shrivels, and dies. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2026 Next, look for any dead tissue, which may appear brown, dry, or shriveled. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrivel

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrivel was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrivel. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

shrivel

verb
shriv·​el ˈshriv-əl How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
: to shrink and become dry and wrinkled

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