verb

shrivel

SHRIH-vuhl

Shrivel (verb) means to shrink and wrinkle, especially from losing moisture. Example: “The grapes shriveled into raisins in the sun.”

verb

To shrink and wrinkle, especially from losing moisture.

"The grapes shriveled into raisins in the sun."

"Without water, the plant's leaves quickly shriveled."

How to use shrivel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo dry out and shrink into a wrinkled shape.

Common pairings

shrivel up shriveled skin

Word forms

shriveled past tense, shrivelled past tense, shrivels singular

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The grapes _____ into raisins in the sun.

Etymology

Probably of North Germanic origin, related to a Swedish dialect word for "wrinkle," and connected to the same root as shrink.

Origin: Germanic

Synonyms

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shrink wither shrivel up

Related words

lower increase contract grow reduce decrease retreat minimize

Rhymes for shrivel

drivel swivel

See all rhymes for shrivel →

Frequently asked questions

What does “shrivel” mean?

The word “shrivel” means to shrink and wrinkle, especially from losing moisture. In plain terms, to dry out and shrink into a wrinkled shape.

How do you pronounce “shrivel”?

“Shrivel” is pronounced SHRIH-vuhl (/ˈʃɹɪvəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “shrivel” in a sentence?

Here is “shrivel” used in a sentence: “The grapes shriveled into raisins in the sun.”

What part of speech is “shrivel”?

“Shrivel” is a verb.

Where does the word “shrivel” come from?

The word “shrivel” comes from Germanic. Probably of North Germanic origin, related to a Swedish dialect word for "wrinkle," and connected to the same root as shrink.

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Words with germanic origins

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