rinse

1 of 2

verb

ˈrin(t)s 

 dialectal  ˈrench

rinsed; rinsing

transitive verb

1

: to cleanse by flushing with liquid (such as water)

—often used with out

rinse out the mouth

2

a

: to cleanse (as of soap) by clear water

b

: to treat (hair) with a rinse

3

: to remove (dirt or impurities) by washing lightly or in water only

rinser noun

rinse

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act or process of rinsing

2

a

: liquid used for rinsing

b

: a solution that temporarily tints hair

Synonyms

Verb

• flush
• irrigate
• sluice
• wash
• wash out

Examples of rinse in a Sentence

Verb

I rinsed my face in the sink.

He washed the dishes and then rinsed them thoroughly.

The tools were rinsed in alcohol.

She rinsed the dirt off the lettuce.

He rinsed the soap out of the cup.

Noun

She dunked the dish in the rinse water.

Use sanitizing rinse on the scissors.

a bottle of hair rinse

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Use a dishcloth to wash all parts, rinse, and place in the drying rack. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 May 2025

The orange juice equipment parts and machine got washed, rinsed, but not sanitized. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025

Noun

Using Laundry Sanitizer to Sanitize Laundry Add laundry sanitizer to the rinse cycle, either by putting it in the fabric softener compartment or by pouring it directly into the drum of the washer during the rinse cycle. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025

This does not include toothpaste with fluoride or fluoride rinses. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English rincen, from Anglo-French rincer, alteration of Old French recincier, from Vulgar Latin *recentiare, from Latin recent-, recens fresh, recent

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rinse

• pre-rinse

Rhymes for rinse

• mince
• prince
• quince
• since
• wince
• convince
• evince

Kids Definition

rinse

1 of 2 verb

ˈrin(t)s 

rinsed; rinsing

1

a

: to wash lightly with water

rinse out your mouth

rinse the apple before you eat it

b

: to clean off with clear water the soap left over from washing

rinse the dishes

2

: to treat (hair) with a rinse

rinser noun

rinse

2 of 2 noun

1

: an act of rinsing

2

a

: liquid used for rinsing

b

: a solution that temporarily tints hair