wringer

noun

wring·​er ˈriŋ-ər How to pronounce wringer (audio)
: one that wrings: such as
a
: a machine or device for pressing out liquid or moisture
a clothes wringer
b
: something that causes pain, hardship, or exertion
his illness put them through the wringer

Examples of wringer 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.
Thomas was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2022 and went through the medical wringer to get better. Aj Willingham, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024 After being put through the wringer for much of the film's two-hour-plus runtime by the sadistic, supernatural Smile Entity, pop superstar Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) is losing her grip on reality. Ew Staff, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024 Linda Cardellini co-stars as the social worker trying to find foster parents for them while the unlikely dad gets put through the wringer. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024 Reed invites Sisters Paxton (Chloe East) and Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) into his house with the promise of blueberry pie and religious conversation but ends up putting them through the philosophical and physical wringer. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wringer 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near wringer

Cite this Entry

“Wringer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wringer. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

wringer

noun
wring·​er ˈriŋ-ər How to pronounce wringer (audio)
: one that wrings
especially : a machine or device for squeezing out liquid or moisture
clothes wringer

More from Merriam-Webster on wringer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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