Dried Meaning

UK /draɪd/
US /draɪd/
Word Definition
dried meaning

Dried Definition & Usage

adjective

Referring to something that has had its moisture removed, often for preservation purposes, such as dried fruits, flowers, or meats.

Examples

  • "I prefer dried mangoes because they’re a sweet, chewy snack."
  • "The dried herbs in the jar still smell strong, even though they’ve been sitting there for months."
  • "We added dried chili flakes to the dish for some extra heat."
  • "The desert air dried my lips, making them crack and peel."
  • "The dried flowers in the vase have faded in color over time."
verb (past tense of dry)

To cause something to lose moisture or to become dry.

Examples

  • "She dried the dishes with a towel after washing them."
  • "I dried the flowers to keep them as a souvenir from our trip."
  • "The wind dried my clothes after I hung them outside."
  • "The sun dried the freshly painted surface faster than expected."
  • "He dried his hair with a blow dryer before going out."

Cultural Context

Drying is a traditional method of food preservation that dates back centuries. Cultures around the world have used drying techniques to extend the shelf life of fruits, meats, and fish, especially before refrigeration was available. Dried foods, such as dried meat (jerky) or dried fruits (raisins, apricots), continue to be a staple in many cuisines.

The Dried Orchard

Story

The Dried Orchard

Samantha had always admired the delicate art of drying flowers. Ever since she was a little girl, she would spend summer afternoons in her grandmother’s garden, picking flowers and watching her grandmother carefully dry them to preserve their beauty. But it wasn’t just flowers that fascinated her – the process of drying was something magical. One evening, as she walked through the orchard, she noticed the plump peaches hanging from the branches, their skins soft and full of juice. With the sun setting behind her, she decided it was time to harvest some of the fruit. As she picked them, she thought about how different they would be when dried. Back in the kitchen, Samantha spread the peaches on a tray, watching as the moisture slowly evaporated under the heat of the oven. Over the next few hours, the peaches shriveled into tiny, sweet morsels. They were no longer juicy, but their flavor had concentrated. The dried peaches would make for the perfect addition to her granola. The dried flowers she had collected earlier in the season were now hanging in beautiful bouquets all over the house, their faded petals adding a touch of nostalgia and nature to the otherwise modern space. The dried herbs she had saved were a delight to use in her cooking, especially the rosemary and thyme that added richness to her pasta sauces. Later that evening, Samantha found herself sitting by the fireplace, a cup of tea in her hand, surrounded by the natural aromas of the dried flowers and herbs. Her grandmother had once told her, ‘There’s beauty in the process of preserving, Samantha. It’s about honoring what’s here and holding onto it.’ And as she gazed at the dried bouquets and smelled the comforting scent of her tea, she realized that she was continuing a cherished tradition, one that connected her to the past.

The Dried Orchard