shrivel
verb (used with or without object)
to contract and wrinkle, as from great heat, cold, or dryness.
shrivelled
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past participleof shrivel.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof shrivel.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
shrivelverb (used with or without object)to contract and wrinkle, as from great heat, cold, or dryness.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Six weeks without rain has scorched his cauliflowers, shrivelled his spuds, and shrunk his bank balance.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
"A healthy plant would have 70 to 80 grains. This one will produce 10," she said, pointing to one shrivelled shoot.
From Barron's ● Jul. 4, 2026
Turnout in local elections that do not coincide with a general election are almost always shrivelled.
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2025
The current account surplus has shrivelled and the budget deficit is widening, despite hefty drawdowns from a rainy-day fund.
From Reuters ● Feb. 15, 2023
When taken out of the stocks his skin was cold and shrivelled; there was no perceptible pulsation in the temporal or radial arteries, and he complained of severe cephalgia ...
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
