wringer

play

noun wring·er \ ˈriŋ-ər \

Definition of wringer

:one that wrings: such as

a :a machine or device for pressing out liquid or moisture

a clothes wringer

b :something that causes pain, hardship, or exertion

his illness put them through the wringer

See wringer defined for English-language learners

See wringer defined for kids

Recent Examples of wringer from the Web

That trio annually puts machines and the teams that run them through the wringer.

— jonathan m. gitlin, Ars Technica, "Monterey Car Week is like Comic Con and the Oscars but with wheels," 24 Aug. 2017
The Rangers wouldn’t pinpoint what’s next until after learning how Diekman’s arm and body respond to being put through the wringer.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "Rangers wanted to see Diekman fatigued. Here’s why:," 5 Aug. 2017
Annapurna Pictures’ first feature film release can’t help but stir plenty of sympathetic attention in the press and among political activists, but audiences keen to put themselves through this wringer will remain somewhat limited.

— Detroit Free Press, "‘Detroit’: What other film critics are saying," 27 July 2017
To find out, Epicurious food director Rhoda Boone recently put the knife through the wringer, mincing herbs, chopping onions, and—the most important test—

— maria carter, Country Living, "The $3 Chef's Knife Everyone's Talking About," 21 July 2017
Reeves has certainly run us through the emotional wringer.

— richard lawson, HWD, "War for the Planet of the Apes Concludes the Best Trilogy No One Is Talking About," 12 July 2017
Reeves has certainly run us through the emotional wringer.

— vanityfair.com, "War for the Planet of the Apes," 12 July 2017
This jaw-dropping emotional wringer – of which Lee Brice is one of the writers – proved that some things, such as Garth Brooks’ ability to deliver a lyric, remained flawless.

— chuck dauphin, Billboard, "Garth Brooks' 10 Best Songs: Critic's Picks," 28 June 2017
Ted Diadiun, editorial board member: When will the gun control hand-wringers realize that feel-good gun laws will not keep lethal weapons out of the hands of people who don't obey laws?

— associated press, cleveland.com, "Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor reveals sons' struggles with opioid addictions," 1 June 2017

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

First Known Use of wringer

14th century

WRINGER Defined for English Language Learners

wringer

play

noun

Definition of wringer for English Language Learners

: a machine used for squeezing water out of clothes that have been washed

WRINGER Defined for Kids

wringer

play

noun wring·er \ ˈriŋ-ər \

Definition of wringer for Students

:a machine or device for squeezing liquid out of something (as laundry)

Learn More about wringer

See words that rhyme with wringer Spanish Central: Translation of wringer Nglish: Translation of wringer for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up wringer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

wringer

Definition of wringer

Recent Examples of wringer from the Web

First Known Use of wringer

WRINGER Defined for English Language Learners

wringer

Definition of wringer for English Language Learners

WRINGER Defined for Kids

wringer

Definition of wringer for Students

Learn More about wringer

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

holus-bolus

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

"Immune to" or "Immune from"?

What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

Welcome to the New Words

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Name that Color!

True or False?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066

wringer

Definition of wringer

Read the Latest from M-W

Recent Examples of wringer from the Web

First Known Use of wringer

Phrases Related to WRINGER

Related Phrases

WRINGER Defined for English Language Learners

wringer

Definition of wringer for English Language Learners

WRINGER Defined for Kids

wringer

Definition of wringer for Students

Learn More about wringer

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066