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.
The warmer weather also dries out the soil and stresses plants, especially those in drought-prone regions such as the West and the Southwest. — Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 The combination started drying out soil moisture, which put even more pressure on agricultural farmlands and native plants. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 And the Hawk fire is the latest example of the growing threat of destructive urban conflagrations in these zones as the planet warms, vegetation dries out and wildfires become more destructive. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Adding water tempers the acidity and salt, allowing the chicken to marinate longer to pick up flavor without drying out or becoming over-seasoned. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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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