Showing results for "drying"

• present participle of dry.

drying

American  

[drahy-ing] / ˈdraɪ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing dryness.

   a drying breeze.

2. designed to become or capable of becoming dry and hard on exposure to air.

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drying British  

/ ˈdraɪɪŋ /

noun

1. the action or process of making or becoming dry

2. Also called (not now in technical usage): seasoning. the processing of timber until it has a moisture content suitable for the purposes for which it is to be used

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adjective

1. causing dryness

   a drying wind

Other Word Forms

• nondrying
  adjective
• undrying
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of drying

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at dry, -ing ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

drying

Conservationists said increasingly warmer conditions caused by climate change risked drying up these damp soils.

From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2026

The fires have been driven in part by drought linked to a strong El Nino phenomenon, but are also caused by longstanding deforestation and drying of peatland, experts say.

From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2026

Over roughly the next year, the rover will continue traveling through rock layers containing abundant sulfates and carbonates, minerals that provide evidence of ancient drying conditions on Mars.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 22, 2026

The debate over the drying out of the Scott River reflects long-standing disputes over how to keep water in the river and balance the competing needs of farmers and fish.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Now it was high summer, with the hay drying in the fields and all the village praying for the rain to hold off until the grain was safely cut and stored away for winter.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman

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