blow-dryer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal. Common in everyday conversation, beauty industry contexts, and product descriptions. Less frequent in formal writing.
Quick answer
What does “blow-dryer” mean?
An electrical device used to dry and style hair by blowing hot or cool air.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electrical device used to dry and style hair by blowing hot or cool air.
A handheld appliance with a motor and heating element that directs a stream of air, primarily for hair care, but sometimes used for other quick-drying purposes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English strongly prefers the hyphenated form 'blow-dryer'. US English more commonly uses the open form 'blow dryer', though the hyphenated form is also understood and used.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Associated with personal grooming, hairdressing, and domestic appliances.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in everyday UK English due to the commonality of the hyphenated compound noun form.
Grammar
How to Use “blow-dryer” in a Sentence
Use the blow-dryer to dry your hair.She blow-dried her hair straight.I need to buy a new blow-dryer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blow-dryer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The stylist will blow-dry it into a sleek bob.
- I never blow-dry my hair, I let it dry naturally.
American English
- She blow-dries her hair every morning before work.
- Can you blow-dry the roots for more volume?
adverb
British English
- Her hair was styled blow-dried straight.
- This product works best on blow-dried hair.
American English
- She left the salon with her hair perfectly blow-dried.
- Apply the serum to blow-dried ends.
adjective
British English
- She offers a blow-dry styling service.
- He has a professional blow-dry brush attachment.
American English
- She booked a blowout, which is an elaborate blow-dry style.
- The salon's blow-dry section was very busy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail or beauty supply contexts: 'The new model features ionic technology.'
Academic
Rare, except possibly in material science or design studies describing consumer products.
Everyday
Very common: 'Don't forget to unplug the blow-dryer.' 'Can I borrow your blow-dryer?'
Technical
In product manuals or engineering: 'The heating element is rated at 1875 watts.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blow-dryer”
- Misspelling as 'blow drier'. 'Drier' is a comparative adjective (more dry); 'dryer' is the noun for an appliance.
- Using it as a verb without the hyphen: 'I need to blowdry my hair.' (Correct: 'blow-dry').
- Confusing 'blow-dryer' (the device) with 'blow-dry' (the action or service).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Blow-dryer' (hyphenated) is standard in UK English and common elsewhere. 'Blow dryer' (open) is very common in US English.
They are synonyms and refer to the same appliance. 'Hairdryer' is slightly more formal/common globally, while 'blow-dryer' explicitly names the blowing and drying function.
Yes. It's a phrasal verb meaning to dry and style hair with a blow-dryer (e.g., 'She blow-dries her hair'). It is always hyphenated as a verb.
A common spelling mistake is writing 'blow drier'. Remember, the appliance is a 'dryer' (with a 'y'), while 'drier' is an adjective meaning 'more dry'.
An electrical device used to dry and style hair by blowing hot or cool air.
Blow-dryer is usually neutral to informal. common in everyday conversation, beauty industry contexts, and product descriptions. less frequent in formal writing. in register.
Blow-dryer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbləʊ ˌdraɪ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbloʊ ˌdraɪ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with the device itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two actions it performs: it BLOWS air to DRY your hair. It's a DRYer that BLOWs.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR TRANSFORMATION (from wet to dry, from unstyled to styled).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common synonym for 'blow-dryer'?