dry cleaning

noun

1. the cleaning of garments, fabrics, draperies, etc., with any of various chemicals rather than water.
2. garments for cleaning in this way.

Other Words From

• dry-cleaning adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry cleaning¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

They are 50-plus years old and are hand-stitched and not suitable for dry cleaning.

From Washington Post

Originally, Merediz was going to break into “Paciencia Y Fe” while showing her napkins to the owner of a new dry cleaning business, whose presence speaks to how the block is gentrifying.

From Time

I've used this method for years, and it's saved me a lot of money in dry cleaning bills.

From Washington Post

Almost nobody is wearing many, if any, clothes that require dry cleaning.

From Washington Post

He went on to open a dry cleaning business, barbecue restaurant, and liquor store.

From The Daily Beast

There is nothing less sleep-inducing than feeling like both your feet have dry-cleaning bags rubber-banded around them.

From The Daily Beast

A woman who owned a dry-cleaning store was knifed to death in the early morning hours on New York's Upper East Side.

From The Daily Beast

Dry-cleaning a fancy gown or special heirloom can be an anxiety-fueled endeavor.

From The Daily Beast

Far easier than picking up your dry cleaning, as one Gilt Groupie points out.

From The Daily Beast

A top covering for the carriage must have washing or dry cleaning qualities.

From Project Gutenberg

Grease may also be removed by dry cleaning, or chemical cleaning as it is called.

From Project Gutenberg

Centrifugal wringers are used also as dry-cleaning machines.

From Project Gutenberg

She noticed a florist shop, a candy store, a dry cleaning establishment, and even a small brokerage office opening off the lobby.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a dryer; a device for spinning clothes which were wet with liquid from the dry-cleaning washer.

From Project Gutenberg