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

Because tomatoes need consistent moisture and will dry out faster in containers, Ohler recommends choosing a larger pot. —Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026

Herbs shouldn't be allowed to dry out and wilt, and the soil in containers will dry out more frequently than the soil in the ground. —Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 2 May 2026

Wait to water again until the soil dries out. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

Basil grows equally well in pots and beds, but pots tend to dry out faster, so check them daily during hot, dry spells. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dry out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Medical Definition

dry-out

1 of 2 adjective

ˈdrī-ˌau̇t 

: providing detoxification treatment

checked into a dry-out clinic

dry out

2 of 2 transitive verb

(ˈ)drī-ˈau̇t 

: 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