shrivels; US shriveled or British shrivelled; US shriveling or British shrivelling
1
: to become dry and wrinkled from heat, cold, or old age
plants shriveling in the heat
—often + upThe leaves shriveled up in the hot sun.
2
: to cause (something) to become dry and wrinkled
—often + up
The heat shriveled up the plant's leaves.
Cite this Entry
“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shrivel. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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