'dry' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'dryge' (also seen as 'dryg'), where the root meant 'without moisture' or 'dry'.

'dry' changed from Old English 'dryge'/'dryg' through Middle English forms such as 'dri' and eventually became the modern English word 'dry'.

Initially, it meant 'without moisture'; over time the core meaning has remained largely the same, though derived uses (e.g., 'dry humor') developed extended senses.