dry-cleaned; dry-cleaning; dry-cleans

transitive verb

: to subject to dry cleaning

intransitive verb

: to undergo dry cleaning
dry-cleanable 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.
Wool garments are often labeled as hand-wash only, machine-washable, or dry-clean only. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024 But that’s not an option for Rajak, who relies on his dry-cleaning job to provide for his family. Helen Regan, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024 That can be handy, since heavier blankets like these are often harder to clean (and in some cases, can only be dry-cleaned). Kathleen Felton, SELF, 19 Nov. 2024 And what’s the deal with the dry-cleaning king of Brooklyn? Tom Smyth, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near dry-clean

Cite this Entry

“Dry-clean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry-clean. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!