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

Once clear of debris, grab a garden hose, ideally with a high-pressure tip, and start rinsing the gutter and downspouts. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

Due to their intensive staying power, rinsing off won’t remove these liners fully. —Sarah Han, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024

Noun

From a quick rinse of plates to scrubbing pans, cleaning is often the least enjoyable part of eating at home. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024

One of Park’s favorite tools of the trade is adding a bit of fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 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