moisten

verb
moist·​en | \ ˈmȯi-sᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio) \
moistened; moistening\ ˈmȯis-​niŋ How to pronounce moistening (audio) , ˈmȯi-​sᵊn-​iŋ \

Definition of moisten

intransitive verb

: to become moist

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from moisten

moistener \ ˈmȯis-​nər How to pronounce moistener (audio) , ˈmȯi-​sᵊn-​ər \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for moisten

Synonyms

bedew, damp, dampen

Antonyms

dry

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Examples of moisten in a Sentence

Corn syrup can be used to moisten and flavor baked foods. The chemical reaction begins as soon as the powder is moistened.

Recent Examples on the Web

That lofted vapor moistens the atmosphere spiking dew points near and downwind of the cornfields. Jeff Berardelli, CBS News, ""Corn sweat" makes heat wave even more dangerous," 22 July 2019 Fill a number of small pots with a loose soil mix and thoroughly moisten. Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, "It’s a puzzle figuring out when to pick avocados," 6 July 2019 Bright-green and nicely crisp bok choy moistened with an XO sauce that Thompson makes is another welcome presence on the table. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, "Queen’s English brings Hong Kong’s sizzle to Columbia Heights," 17 July 2019 If any stains remain, sponge the surface with a cloth moistened in 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 cup warm water — but do a spot test on a hidden area first to make sure the fabric won't get damaged. Lauren Smith, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew in the Mustiest Corners of Your House," 6 Feb. 2019 When handled with care, mayonnaise is a delicious enhancer of flavor, a sauce that moistens and elevates all kinds of cuisines. Emily Dreyfuss, WIRED, "In Defense of Mayonnaise," 4 July 2019 In a large bowl, stir together the cookie crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Old-fashioned icebox pies are easy and delicious," 4 June 2019 The remaining sauce may be added, as needed, to moisten the pasta. Daniel Neman, Twin Cities, "Make dinner in a snap with these rotisserie chicken recipes," 6 June 2019 If needed, moisten the edges with a little water to help the pastry edges seal, but do not make the edges wet. Roxanne Wyss, kansascity, "For Olathe cook, these pierogies are a holiday treat. But you can make them any time," 4 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'moisten.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of moisten

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for moisten

moisten

verb

English Language Learners Definition of moisten

: to make (something) slightly wet : to make (something) moist
: to become slightly wet

moisten

verb
moist·​en | \ ˈmȯi-sᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio) \
moistened; moistening

Kids Definition of moisten

: to make damp

Keep scrolling for more