dry out

verb

dried out; drying out; dries out

intransitive verb

: to undergo an extended period of withdrawal from alcohol or drug use especially at a special clinic

Examples of dry out in a Sentence

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.
Water in the morning so the grass can dry out during the day to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 July 2026 Water roses deeply once or twice per week, letting the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 So now, to keep our interest from drying out like a pitch on a hot summer day, the goal should be to keep the market saturated with soccer. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 The banana leaf acts as a protective barrier, preventing the salmon from sticking or drying out during the slow roast. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dry out

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry out was in 1892

Rhymes for dry out

See All Rhymes for dry out

Browse Nearby Words

dry ore
dry out
dry painting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dry out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry%20out. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

dry-out

1 of 2 adjective
ˈdrī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dry-out (audio)
: providing detoxification treatment
checked into a dry-out clinic

dry out

2 of 2 transitive verb
(ˈ)drī-ˈau̇t How to pronounce dry out (audio)
: to subject to withdrawal from the use of alcohol or drugs : detoxify sense 2

intransitive verb

: to undergo an extended period of withdrawal from alcohol or drug use especially at a special clinic : detoxify
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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