Definition

1. Verb:
   • To dry laundry or other washable items without subsequently smoothing, ironing, or pressing them, leaving them in a somewhat stiff and wrinkled state.

Usage

• The verb "rough-dry" is used specifically for the process of drying textiles. It implies a deliberate choice to forgo the finishing step of ironing, often for practical reasons such as saving time, energy, or when the items will not be worn immediately.
• It is typically used with objects like clothes, laundry, towels, or linens.

Examples

• Verb:
  • I decided to rough-dry the sheets to save on electricity.
  • The instructions say you can tumble dry and then rough-dry these shirts; they don't require ironing.
  • After washing, he simply rough-dried his jeans on the line.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in the context of laundry care instructions or when discussing domestic chores. It can connote a casual, low-maintenance approach to laundry.

Variants and Related Words

• Air-dry (verb): To dry by exposure to air, without using a machine. This is a common method to achieve a "rough-dry" state.
• Line-dry (verb): To dry by hanging on a clothesline. This often results in a "rough-dry" finish unless the items are smoothed while damp.
• Tumble dry (verb): To dry in a machine dryer. Items can be removed before the cycle ends to "rough-dry" the rest of the way, avoiding the wrinkles set by heat.

Synonyms

• Dry without ironing: The most direct descriptive synonym.
• Dry unpressed: A less common but accurate alternative.

Antonyms

• Iron (verb): To press with a heated iron to remove wrinkles.
• Press (verb): To smooth and remove creases, often with an iron.
• Tumble dry and fold immediately: A process aimed at preventing wrinkles, the opposite of rough-drying.

Verb

1. dry without smoothing or ironing
   • rough-dry the laundry