shrivel

verb

shriv·​el ˈshri-vəl How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈsri-
shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling ˈshri-vəl-iŋ How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
ˈsri-;
ˈshriv-liŋ,
ˈsriv-

intransitive verb

1
: to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture
2
a
: to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiency
b

transitive verb

: to cause to shrivel

Examples of shrivel in a Sentence

plants shriveling in the heat
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a dahlia flower ages, the petals on the outer edges will begin to droop, wilt, and shrivel before the center of the bloom. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 July 2025 The outdoor industry is rapidly learning that many of its most passionate customers maintain a level of chaos that would make Marie Kondo shrivel up and die from anxiety. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 Avoid berries that are soft or appear mushy or shriveled as these are indications that the fruit is past its prime. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 15 June 2025 But the ambition of that process quickly shriveled. Joshua Z. Walker, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrivel

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrivel was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrivel. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

shrivel

verb
shriv·​el ˈshriv-əl How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
shriveled or shrivelled; shriveling or shrivelling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce shrivel (audio)
: to shrink and become dry and wrinkled

More from Merriam-Webster on shrivel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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