preshrink

American

[pree-shringk] / priˈʃrɪŋk /

verb (used with object)

preshrank, preshrunk, preshrunk, preshrunken, preshrinking.

to subject (textiles, garments, etc.) to a shrinking process before marketing to minimize subsequent shrinkage.

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + shrink

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I like breezy, lighter-weight cottons and linens, so I always preshrink them before hanging.

From Washington Post

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023