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.
Specifically, that 2001 testing showed the carcinogenic solvent and dry-cleaning chemical perchloroethylene, or PCE, in the soil at levels as high as 6,658 micrograms per liter, said Alysa Pakkidis, information officer for the agency. — Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Jerry and Zach Pozniak are the owners of Jeeves New York, a luxury dry-cleaning company, and co-authors of The Laundry Book. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026 Unlike many other options that need to be dry-cleaned, these are machine washable. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 July 2026 There are also opportunities for Rent the Runway to take advantage of all its dry-cleaning infrastructure and work with fashion brands in new ways. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 10 July 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 20 Aug. 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

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