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-
Synonyms of shrivelnext

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.
Sales of photography, moving-image work, sculpture, and most conceptual work have shriveled up, except at the very highest levels. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Their leaves will begin to shrivel up, and their stems and roots will look dehydrated and thin. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 Desert wildflowers shriveled up early this year due to the historic heat wave, leading to a lackluster sightseeing season and fewer visitors at some state parks. Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 27 Mar. 2026 And then emergency snacks for my kid, often shriveled up raisins all over the bottom of the bag. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 23 Mar. 2026 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 8 Apr. 2026.

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

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