WordGarden.iohairdryer
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈeədraɪə/
US
Meanings
Noun
an electric device that blows warm air to dry hair
Beyond the definition
Imagine stepping out of the shower with soaking wet hair. That's where a hairdryer comes in! It's an electric appliance that blows hot (or cool) air over your hair to quickly evaporate water, leaving it dry and ready for styling. Think of it as a personal wind tunnel designed specifically for your locks.
Hairdryers aren't just for drying; they also help create volume, smooth frizz, or set curls when used with attachments like a diffuser or a concentrator nozzle. From simple models to high-tech versions with ionic technology and multiple heat settings, hairdryers are a staple in many bathrooms around the world. You might say someone is "under the hairdryer" if they're getting their hair professionally styled at a salon.
A hairdryer (also commonly called a blow dryer) is an electrical appliance used to dry and style hair by blowing warm or cool air over it. It consists of a motor that draws in air, a heating element that warms it, and a nozzle to direct the airflow.
While the first hair-drying machines appeared in the late 19th century, they were stationary and bulky. Handheld models became popular in the early 20th century, though they were initially heavy and often dangerous. Modern hairdryers are much safer and more efficient, featuring adjustable heat settings, speed controls, and "cool-shot" buttons. Some even incorporate ionic technology, which helps reduce frizz and add shine.
The word "hairdryer" is almost always related to personal grooming or professional hairstyling. You'll find them in bathrooms, salons, and travel bags. Beyond the literal appliance, "hairdryer" is also used in a famous British English idiom: "the hairdryer treatment." This describes a situation where someone, often a sports coach, shouts at another person from very close range, copying the hot air and intensity of the device.
You'll often hear phrases like: "She plugged in her hairdryer," or "He needs a hairdryer to style his hair before work." A stylist might ask, "Do you want me to use a diffuser attachment with the hairdryer?" Whether you're taming unruly curls, creating a sleek blowout, or simply drying off after a shower, the hairdryer is an indispensable tool for many.
Examples
- 1
Hotel bathroom
There's a hairdryer in the hotel bathroom if you need one.
- 2
Travel packing
I forgot to pack my hairdryer, so I had to let my hair dry naturally.
- 3
Appliance features
This hairdryer has two heat settings and a cool button.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hairdryer