dry
Dry describes something that is free from moisture or liquid and not wet. In terms of weather, it refers to a climate or a day where there is little to no rain.
Examples
3 of 5The grass is dry because it has not rained all week.
The grass does not have any water on it because there was no rain.
The forecast predicts a dry spell for the next ten days.
The weather report says there will be no rain for ten days.
Is my shirt dry yet?
Is the water gone from my shirt so I can wear it?
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'y' in 'dry' as a little cup that is empty because there is no water in it.
Quick Quiz
The sun is very hot today, so the wet clothes will be ______ soon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dry
Examples
The grass is dry because it has not rained all week.
everydayThe grass does not have any water on it because there was no rain.
The forecast predicts a dry spell for the next ten days.
formalThe weather report says there will be no rain for ten days.
Is my shirt dry yet?
informalIs the water gone from my shirt so I can wear it?
Cacti are plants that thrive in dry, desert environments.
academicCacti grow well in places that have very little water.
We need a dry area to store the new paper shipments.
businessWe require a place without moisture for the paper inventory.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
dry run
a rehearsal or practice session
high and dry
left in a difficult situation without help
dry humor
funny in a subtle, understated way
Often Confused With
Arid is a more technical or formal word used specifically for very dry climates like deserts.
Drought is a noun describing a long period of dry weather, while dry is an adjective.
Usage Notes
Use 'dry' to describe the physical state of objects without water or to describe weather that lacks rain. It can also describe food or drink that lacks sweetness or moisture.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'dry' when they mean they want to drink water; in English, we say 'I am thirsty' rather than 'I am dry.'
Memory Tip
Think of the 'y' in 'dry' as a little cup that is empty because there is no water in it.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'drȳge,' which has Germanic roots meaning 'to dry or wither.'
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking countries, 'dry weather' is highly desired for outdoor social events like summer barbecues or cricket matches.
Quick Quiz
The sun is very hot today, so the wet clothes will be ______ soon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dry
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More Weather words
windy
A1Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.
foggy
A1Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.
stormy
A1Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.
overcast
A1An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.
cool
A1Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.
freezing
A1Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.
humid
A1Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.
wet
A1Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.
mild
A1Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.
rain
A1Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.
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