preshrink

verb

pre·​shrink (ˌ)prē-ˈshriŋk How to pronounce preshrink (audio)
 especially Southern  -ˈsriŋk
preshrank (ˌ)prē-ˈshraŋk How to pronounce preshrink (audio)
 especially Southern  -ˈsraŋk
; preshrunk (ˌ)prē-ˈshrəŋk How to pronounce preshrink (audio)
 especially Southern  -ˈsrəŋk

transitive verb

: to shrink (a fabric) before making into a garment so that it will not shrink much when washed

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preshrink was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near preshrink

Cite this Entry

“Preshrink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preshrink. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

preshrink

verb
pre·​shrink (ˈ)prē-ˈshriŋk How to pronounce preshrink (audio)
preshrank -ˈshraŋk How to pronounce preshrink (audio) ; preshrunk -ˈshrəŋk How to pronounce preshrink (audio)
: to shrink (as a fabric) before making into a garment so that the garment will not shrink much when washed
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