1 A2 neutral
To clean the inside of a container by running water through it, removing residue or soap.
"Rinse out the yoghurt pot before putting it in the recycling bin."
separable
rinse out
A2 neutral separable transitive
To clean the inside of a container or fabric by filling or running water through it to remove soap, residue, or dirt.
In plain English
To clean the inside of something by putting water in it and then pouring it out.
What does "rinse out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To remove soap, dye, or product from hair or fabric by washing with water.
"Leave the conditioner on for two minutes, then rinse it out thoroughly."
separable
3 A2 neutral
To clean your mouth by swishing water (or mouthwash) around and spitting it out.
"After brushing, rinse your mouth out with water."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rinse (something) so the residue comes out of it.
Actually means
To clean the inside of something by putting water in it and then pouring it out.
Usage tip
Commonly used with cups, bottles, jars, and clothing. Often the final step to remove soap suds or product residue. Also used for hair when removing dye or conditioner.
Words that pair with "rinse out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cup mouth jar bottle hair cloth
How to conjugate "rinse out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rinse out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rinses out
he/she/it
Past simple
rinsed out
yesterday
Past participle
rinsed out
have + pp
-ing form
rinsing out
continuous
Hear "rinse out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rinse out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.