Dry up
verb
To become dry.
The lake will dry up if it doesn't rain soon.
verb
To lose or use up all of something.
His savings had dried up after years of unemployment.
verb
Unable to think of more things to say or write.
His ideas for the new book dried up halfway through the manuscript.
Usage tips
Literary
verb
To stop being produced or provided.
During the recession, new jobs dried up.
verb
To become dry.
The lake will dry up if it doesn't rain soon.
verb
To lose or use up all of something.
His savings had dried up after years of unemployment.
verb
Unable to think of more things to say or write.
His ideas for the new book dried up halfway through the manuscript.
Usage tips
Literary
verb
To stop being produced or provided.
During the recession, new jobs dried up.
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Natural Processes
Often used when describing natural water sources losing moisture over time.
The river began to dry up during the drought.
Pro Tip 2/2Gradual Change
Suggests a slow, sometimes unnoticeable, process rather than an abrupt one.
The paint will dry up eventually, just give it time.
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