bone-dry

adjective

ˈbōn-ˈdrī How to pronounce bone-dry (audio)
Synonyms of bone-drynext
1
: very dry
2
: dry sense 5

Examples of bone-dry in a Sentence

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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.
Deck said 20,000 to 25,000 tons of bone-dry biomass are available each year at the landfill. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 In fact, just days earlier, the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel had slammed the coastline and dumped rain over the region — although not enough to significantly moisten the bone-dry vegetation. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 But my personal come-to-Jesus moment was the bottle of Berlucchi ’61 Brut Nature, a sparkling wine from Franciacorta made in the traditional Champagne method, bone-dry and bracing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026 Barely 65,000 people live in the vast, bone-dry region about the size of Spain. — Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bone-dry

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bone-dry was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bone-dry

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Browse Nearby Words

bone-deep
bone-dry
bone dust
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bone-dry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bone-dry. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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