Rinse/rɪns/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Quick Cleaning Use 'rinse' to describe a swift, superficial cleaning, usually with water, not for thorough washing. Just rinse the plates; they're not very dirty. Pro Tip 2/3No Soap Required 'Rinse' implies cleaning with water alone, without using soap or detergents. Rinse the vegetables in cold water before eating. Pro Tip 3/3Final Step Often, 'rinse' is the last step in a cleaning process to remove residual substances. Shampoo your hair, then rinse.