drying
Americanadjective
-
causing dryness.
a drying breeze.
-
designed to become or capable of becoming dry and hard on exposure to air.
noun
-
the action or process of making or becoming dry
-
Also called (not now in technical usage): seasoning. the processing of timber until it has a moisture content suitable for the purposes for which it is to be used
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of drying
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at dry, -ing 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Life is short as a drying drop of water. Don't be sad," a singer's voice wafts into the street.
From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026
The taste of seawater drying on skin after a swim.
From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026
“Also, we’re in a situation where the Great Salt Lake is drying out, and we haven’t even begun to stop the decline.”
From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026
It should be reapplied every two hours, or sooner if you sweat a lot, have been in water, or after drying yourself with a towel.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
The truck stopped next to Nali, who was busy rinsing the soap off her face and drying off.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
