air-dry

American  

[air-drahy] / ˈɛərˌdraɪ /

verb (used with or without object)

air-dried, air-drying

1. to dry by exposure to the air.

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adjective

1. dry beyond further evaporation.

air-dry British  

verb

1. (tr) to dry by exposure to the air

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Etymology

Origin of air-dry

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

And that unopened brick of air-dry clay that’s taunting you?

From MarketWatch • Feb. 23, 2026

"Always air-dry cushions, as a machine dryer tends to damage or shrink cushion cover materials."

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2022

Unfold the towel and let the peas air-dry while you prep the rest of the salad.

From Washington Post • May 29, 2022

I cut the cheese and and bolillos into strips, and let them air-dry for a couple of days, like Mami used to do.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2022

Alaskan hunters know that the easiest way to preserve meat in the bush is to slice it into thin strips and then air-dry it on a makeshift rack.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer