spin-dryer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Everyday, technical
Quick answer
What does “spin-dryer” mean?
A household appliance that uses centrifugal force to remove water from washed clothes by spinning them rapidly in a perforated drum.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A household appliance that uses centrifugal force to remove water from washed clothes by spinning them rapidly in a perforated drum.
Any device or machine that employs rapid rotation to remove moisture from textiles or other materials through centrifugal action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'spin-dryer' is the standard term for a standalone appliance. In American English, the term 'spin dryer' is less common; the function is usually integrated into a 'washing machine' (which washes and spins) or a separate 'dryer' (which uses heat).
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes a common, practical household appliance. In the US, it may sound slightly technical or old-fashioned, as integrated washer-dryers or tumble dryers are more prevalent.
Frequency
High frequency in UK domestic contexts; low-to-medium frequency in US English, where 'dryer' or 'tumble dryer' is preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “spin-dryer” in a Sentence
[Subject] + use + the spin-dryer[Subject] + put + [clothes] + in + the spin-dryerThe spin-dryer + spins + [object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spin-dryer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I need to spin-dry these trousers before we go out.
- She spin-dries the delicates separately.
American English
- The washer will spin dry the load in 15 minutes.
- Can this setting spin-dry heavy fabrics?
adverb
British English
- [Not standard as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standard as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The spin-dryer function is very efficient.
- We offer a spin-dryer repair service.
American English
- Check the spin dry cycle options.
- It has a powerful spin-dry mechanism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in appliance retail or manufacturing contexts.
Academic
Rare; could appear in engineering or domestic technology studies.
Everyday
Common in UK households for discussing laundry.
Technical
Used in appliance manuals, product descriptions, and engineering specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spin-dryer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spin-dryer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spin-dryer”
- Misspelling as 'spindrier' or 'spin drier'.
- Using 'spin-dryer' to refer to a tumble dryer (which uses heat).
- Omitting the hyphen in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A spin-dryer uses rapid spinning (centrifugal force) to extract water, leaving clothes damp. A tumble dryer uses heated air to fully dry clothes.
No. Delicate fabrics like silk or lace can be damaged by high-speed spinning. Always check the garment's care label.
Housing differences play a role. UK homes often have smaller kitchens or utility rooms where a separate, compact spin-dryer fits. US homes more frequently have space for larger combined washer-dryers or dedicated tumble dryers.
Compared to a tumble dryer, it uses very little electricity, as it only powers a motor for spinning, not a heating element. It's an energy-efficient way to reduce drying time.
A household appliance that uses centrifugal force to remove water from washed clothes by spinning them rapidly in a perforated drum.
Spin-dryer is usually everyday, technical in register.
Spin-dryer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪn ˌdraɪ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪn ˌdraɪ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPIN-DRYER: SPINs clothes to make them DRY. Think of a fast SPINning DRYing machine.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CENTRIFUGE FOR THE HOME (applying industrial separation technology to domestic tasks).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary physical principle a spin-dryer uses?