dry-clean

verb

ˈdrī-ˌklēn How to pronounce dry-clean (audio)
dry-cleaned; dry-cleaning; dry-cleans
Synonyms of dry-cleannext

transitive verb

: to subject to dry cleaning

intransitive verb

: to undergo dry cleaning
dry-cleanable
ˈdrī-ˈklē-nə-bəl How to pronounce dry-clean (audio)
adjective

Examples of dry-clean 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.
Blazers and outerwear can also skip the at-home pre-wash, as should those whose care labels recommend against it or are marked as dry-clean only. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026 The original store, An’s Dry Cleaning, took over a former dry-cleaning and tailoring shop. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026 When using rubbing alcohol or dry-cleaning solution, make sure there’s proper ventilation and wear gloves to protect your hands. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 Instead, she was forced to work long hours in the family’s dry-cleaning business, ironing up to 16 dozen shirts a day while being denied food, sleep, and medical care. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dry-clean

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry-clean was in 1817

Rhymes for dry-clean

See All Rhymes for dry-clean

Browse Nearby Words

dry cell
dry-clean
dry cleaner
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

dry-clean

verb
ˈdrī-ˌklēn
: to clean (fabrics) with chemical solvents
dry-cleanable
-ˈklē-nə-bəl
adjective
dry cleaner noun
dry cleaning noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dry-clean

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dry-clean

Nglish: Translation of dry-clean for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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