dry-clean

[drahy-kleen]

verb (used with object)

1. to clean (garments, draperies, rugs, etc.) with a liquid other than water, as benzine or gasoline.

dry-clean

verb

1. (tr) to clean (clothing, fabrics, etc) with a solvent other than water, such as trichloroethylene

Other Word Forms

• dry-cleaner noun
• dry-cleaning noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry-clean¹

First recorded in 1810–20; back formation from dry cleaning