bone-dry

adjective

ˈbōn-ˈdrī How to pronounce bone-dry (audio)
Synonyms of bone-drynext
1
: very dry
2
: dry sense 5

Examples of bone-dry in a Sentence

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.
The sun is high and hot in early June—a bone-dry 85 degrees Fahrenheit—though the direct light is enough to make my forehead glisten. — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 July 2026 For the last few years, my dad, an Army veteran with my bone-dry sense of humor, has fought a progressive neurological disorder that causes severe tremors in his arms, legs and neck. — Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 With this premise, Brandl brews a heady, destabilizing concoction of uncanny horror and bone-dry humor to depict a man on the brink, whose demons—whether real or imagined—just might be catching up with him. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2026 At the time, fire danger was so high that the region — enduring Santa Ana winds and bone-dry conditions — was under a red-flag warning. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bone-dry

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bone-dry was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bone-dry

See All Rhymes for bone-dry

Browse Nearby Words

bone-deep
bone-dry
bone dust
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bone-dry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bone-dry. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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