First Known Use: 1565
Dictionary
shrivel
verb shriv·el \ˈshri-vəl, especially Southern ˈsri-\
: to become dry and wrinkled from heat, cold, or old age
: to cause (something) to become dry and wrinkled
shriv·eled or shriv·elledshriv·el·ing or shriv·el·ling\ˈshri-vəl-iŋ, ˈsri-; ˈshriv-liŋ, ˈsriv-\
Full Definition of SHRIVEL
intransitive verb
1
: to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture
2
a : to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiency b : dwindle
transitive verb
: to cause to shrivel
See shrivel defined for English-language learners
See shrivel defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SHRIVEL
origin unknown
SHRIVEL Defined for Kids
shrivel
verb shriv·el \ˈshri-vəl\
shriv·eled or shriv·elledshriv·el·ing or shriv·el·ling
Definition of SHRIVEL for Kids
: to shrink and become dry and wrinkled
Learn More About SHRIVEL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up shrivel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).