shrivel

verb

shriv·​el ˈshri-vəl How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈsri-
shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling ˈshri-vəl-iŋ How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
ˈsri-;
ˈshriv-liŋ,
ˈsriv-

intransitive verb

1
: to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture
2
a
: to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiency
b

transitive verb

: to cause to shrivel

Examples of shrivel in a Sentence

plants shriveling in the heat
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Young stems that develop might shrivel and fall off. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024 Crops are shriveling and cities are sinking as the groundwater beneath them dries out. Laura Paddison, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 It's shriveled up into dust and evaporated into the air. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 13 Oct. 2024 After delivery, the healthcare provider cuts this cord, leaving a stump that shrivels and shrinks. Mark Gurarie, Health, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shrivel 

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrivel was in 1565

Dictionary Entries Near shrivel

Cite this Entry

“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrivel. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

shrivel

verb
shriv·​el ˈshriv-əl How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
: to shrink and become dry and wrinkled
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!