rinse

1 of 2

verb

ˈrin(t)s 

 dialectal  ˈrench

rinsed; rinsing

transitive verb

1

: to cleanse by flushing with liquid (such as water)

—often used with out

rinse out the mouth

2

a

: to cleanse (as of soap) by clear water

b

: to treat (hair) with a rinse

3

: to remove (dirt or impurities) by washing lightly or in water only

rinser noun

rinse

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act or process of rinsing

2

a

: liquid used for rinsing

b

: a solution that temporarily tints hair

Synonyms

Verb

• flush
• irrigate
• sluice
• wash
• wash out

Examples of rinse in a Sentence

Verb

I rinsed my face in the sink.

He washed the dishes and then rinsed them thoroughly.

The tools were rinsed in alcohol.

She rinsed the dirt off the lettuce.

He rinsed the soap out of the cup.

Noun

She dunked the dish in the rinse water.

Use sanitizing rinse on the scissors.

a bottle of hair rinse

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

When ham is wet-cured, it is immersed in a brine of salt and seasonings, rinsed and then aged, says Kersten. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024

Wipe before washing: Before rinsing pots, pans, and dishes, wipe them down with a paper towel to remove excess grease. —Earl Foster, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024

Noun

When your washer gets to the rinse cycle, add in a half cup of white vinegar to help secure the color dyes. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024

Simply place your diamonds, gold, and platinum jewelry in the cleaner at night, and in the morning give each piece a rinse before drying and revealing its best shine yet. —Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English rincen, from Anglo-French rincer, alteration of Old French recincier, from Vulgar Latin *recentiare, from Latin recent-, recens fresh, recent

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rinse

• pre-rinse

Kids Definition

rinse

1 of 2 verb

ˈrin(t)s 

rinsed; rinsing

1

a

: to wash lightly with water

rinse out your mouth

rinse the apple before you eat it

b

: to clean off with clear water the soap left over from washing

rinse the dishes

2

: to treat (hair) with a rinse

rinser noun

rinse

2 of 2 noun

1

: an act of rinsing

2

a

: liquid used for rinsing

b

: a solution that temporarily tints hair