rinse

1 of 2

verb

ˈrin(t)s How to pronounce rinse (audio)
 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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Afterward, run at least two cycles with plain water to rinse away any vinegar residue. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024 Let the treatment sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it out. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
The bottom container just needs a quick rinse with soap and warm water, and before doing the same to the lid, simply remove the white piece from the grid to dispose of any residue caught in the prongs. Bridget Degnan, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 Once dinner is over, toss it in the dishwasher, or give it a quick rinse in the sink. Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rinse 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rinse was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rinse

Cite this Entry

“Rinse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rinse. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rinse

1 of 2 verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on rinse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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