Definition

Adjective: - Completely without moisture; extremely dry: Describes something that has absolutely no trace of water or dampness, often to the point of being parched or brittle. The phrase uses "bone" for emphasis, comparing the dryness to that of a sun-bleached, weathered bone.

Usage

The term "bone dry" is used as a predicative adjective, typically following a linking verb like "is," "was," or "get." It emphasizes an absolute, extreme state of dryness. - It describes materials, conditions, or climates. - It can be used literally or for strong figurative emphasis.

Examples

• (figurative use)

Advanced Usage

• Hyphenation: The term can be written as "bone-dry" (especially when used attributively before a noun) or "bone dry." Both forms are correct.
  • We hiked through a bone-dry landscape.
• Figurative Extension: While literal dryness is the core meaning, it can be applied metaphorically to describe a complete absence of something expected, like emotion, humor, or resources.
  • His writing style is effective but bone dry; it lacks any poetic flourish.
  • The company's research budget is bone dry.

Variants and Related Words

• Bone-dry: The hyphenated form of the same adjective.
• Arid: (adj.) Very dry, especially of a climate or region.
• Parched: (adj.) Dried out with heat; extremely thirsty.
• Desiccated: (adj.) Dried out thoroughly and often preserved.

Synonyms

• As dry as a bone: An equivalent idiomatic phrase.
• Arid
• Parched
• Waterless
• Desiccated

Antonyms

• Soaked
• Saturated
• Drenched
• Moist
• Damp

Related Idioms

• As dry as a bone: An idiom with identical meaning to "bone dry."
  • After the hot wind, the soil was as dry as a bone.

Adjective

1. without a trace of moisture; as dry as a weathered bone
   • bone-dry leaves are a fire hazard
   • a drier to get the clothes bone dry