drip-dry

[ adjective noun drip-drahy; verb drip-drahy, -drahy ]

adjective

1. wash-and-wear.

verb (used without object)

, drip-dried, drip-dry·ing.

1. (of a cloth item) to dry into a desired form and shape when hung dripping wet after washing.

verb (used with object)

, drip-dried, drip-dry·ing.

1. to hang (a cloth item) after washing while it is dripping wet and allow it to dry, especially in anticipation of its assuming its desired form and shape during the drying process.

noun

, plural drip-dries.

1. a garment or other cloth item that can be washed and drip-dried.

drip-dry

adjective

1. designating clothing or a fabric that will dry relatively free of creases if hung up when wet

verb

1. to dry or become dry thus

Word History and Origins

Origin of drip-dry¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Special attention to crevices—probably they use a hose now, drip dry, automatic wash for bulk processing.

From The Daily Beast

Hang up to drip dry, or wind tightly around a bottle and leave to dry.

From Project Gutenberg

Throwing off his waterproof outer garments, he left them to drip dry in the kitchen.

From Project Gutenberg