What's the Difference Between 'Drier' and 'Dryer'?

In this blog post we look at when to use drier and when to use dryer.

'Drier' or 'Dryer'?

Drier and dryer are two words that are often confused because they are similar in spelling and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.

Drier is an adjective that means less wet or moist than something else.

Dryer is a noun that refers to a machine that is used to remove moisture from clothes, towels, or other fabrics by blowing hot air over them.

It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is free from moisture or liquid.

In summary, drier is an adjective that means less wet or moist, while dryer is a noun that refers to a machine used to remove moisture from clothes and fabrics, or an adjective that means free from moisture or liquid.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between drier and dryer:

Drier:

  • The air in the desert is much drier than the air in the rainforest. (Here, drier is an adjective that means less wet or moist.)

  • The paint was drier than I expected, so I had to add more water to thin it out. (Here, drier is an adjective that means less wet or moist.)

  • The towel was drier than the washcloth, so I used it to dry my face. (Here, drier is an adjective that means less wet or moist.)

Dryer:

  • I put my clothes in the dryer to get them dry. (Here, dryer is a noun that refers to a machine used to remove moisture from clothes.)

  • The dryer was on the fritz, so I had to hang my clothes on the line to dry. (Here, dryer is a noun that refers to a machine used to remove moisture from clothes.)

  • The air was dry, so I used a humidifier to add moisture to the room. (Here, dry is an adjective that means free from moisture or liquid.)

Examples of Drier in a Sentence

  1. The air in the desert is much drier than the air in the rainforest.

  2. The paint was drier than I expected, so I had to add more water to thin it out.

  3. The towel was drier than the washcloth, so I used it to dry my face.

  4. The bread was drier than usual, so I had to add more butter to make it more moist.

  5. The soil in the garden was drier than usual, so I had to water the plants more frequently.

  6. The air inside the house was drier than outside, so I used a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

  7. The air in the winter is usually drier than in the summer.

  8. The pasta was drier than I liked, so I added more sauce to moisten it.

  9. The cake was drier than I expected, so I had to add more frosting to make it moister.

  10. The air in the mountain region is usually drier than in the coastal region.

Examples of Dryer in a Sentence

  1. I put my clothes in the dryer to get them dry.

  2. The dryer was on the fritz, so I had to hang my clothes on the line to dry.

  3. The air was dry, so I used a humidifier to add moisture to the room.

  4. I accidentally left my phone in the dryer and it stopped working.

  5. The dryer takes about an hour to dry a load of clothes.

  6. I always forget to take the lint out of the dryer before using it.

  7. The dryer has a setting for delicates and a setting for heavy fabrics.

  8. I use the dryer to fluff my pillows and make them extra fluffy.

  9. The dryer has a sensor that shuts off when the clothes are dry.

  10. I always forget to switch the clothes from the washer to the dryer and end up having to rewash them.


Drier or Dryer
Drier or Dryer