dry cell

noun

: a voltaic cell whose contents are not spillable

called also dry battery

Examples of dry cell 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.
And some who opt for waiting in the dry cell come around to the scanner. — James Whitlow, baltimoresun.com, 19 Mar. 2021 As outlined by the FAA, this also covers dry cell batteries, lithium metal, and lithium ion batteries for consumer electronics, such as AA, AAA, C, and D batteries, coin cell batteries, camera batteries and laptop batteries. — Moná Thomas, People.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry cell was in 1893

Rhymes for dry cell

See All Rhymes for dry cell

Browse Nearby Words

dry camp
dry cell
dry-clean
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

dry cell

noun
: a small battery whose contents cannot be spilled
a dry cell for a flashlight

More from Merriam-Webster on dry cell

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dry cell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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