Definition

1. Verb:

   • To dry (an item, typically clothing) by hanging it while it is wet, allowing water to drip from it until it is dry, without wringing or using a mechanical dryer.

2. Adjective:

   • (Of a fabric or garment) Designed or treated to dry quickly and smoothly when hung wet, requiring little or no ironing.

Examples

• Verb:

  • After washing the delicate blouse, she chose to drip-dry it on a hanger in the bathroom.
  • The instructions on the label say to drip-dry this sweater to maintain its shape.

• Adjective:

  • For his trip, he packed several drip-dry shirts that wouldn't wrinkle.
  • This drip-dry fabric is perfect for travel because it's easy to care for.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often associated with the convenience of modern, easy-care textiles.
• It can imply a specific laundry method that is gentler on clothes than machine drying.

Variants and Related Words

• Wash-and-wear (adjective): Similar to "drip-dry," describing fabrics or clothes that require minimal ironing after washing and drying. (e.g., )
• No-iron (adjective): A more modern term for fabrics that do not require ironing. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Verb: Air-dry, hang-dry.
• Adjective: Easy-care, wrinkle-resistant, permanent-press.

Related Phrases

• Hang to dry: A common instruction similar in meaning to the verb form of "drip-dry."
  • The label says to hand wash and hang to dry.

Notes

• As an adjective, "drip-dry" is typically used before a noun (e.g., a drip-dry shirt).
• The concept is particularly useful for travelers or for caring for delicate garments.

Verb

1. dry by hanging up wet

Adjective

1. used of fabrics that do not require ironing
   • drip-dry shirts for travel
2. treated so as to be easily or quickly washed and dried and requiring little or no ironing
   • a wash-and-wear shirt