freshen

verb
fresh·​en | \ ˈfre-shən How to pronounce freshen (audio) \
freshened; freshening\ ˈfre-​sh(ə-​)niŋ How to pronounce freshening (audio) \

Definition of freshen

intransitive verb

1 : to grow or become fresh: such as
a of wind : to increase in strength
b : to become fresh in appearance or vitality usually used with up freshen up with a shower
2 of a milk animal : to begin lactating

transitive verb

: to make fresh also : refresh, revive

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Other Words from freshen

freshener \ ˈfre-​sh(ə-​)nər How to pronounce freshener (audio) \ noun

Examples of freshen in a Sentence

a mint that freshens the breath Can I freshen your drink?

Recent Examples on the Web

Using Murano glass is a great way to lighten or freshen a traditional decor. Elizabeth Pash, House Beautiful, "How to Spot Genuine Murano Glass," 24 May 2019 Back to your hotel, freshen up and recharge before heading back into town to Flow Wine Bar & Kitchen. Anquanette Gaspard, Essence, "Get Lost: 72 Hours in St. Vincent," 29 July 2019 Twigs from other trees, especially aromatic trees that freshen the mouth, are used in different cultures. Josefine Hirschfeld, CNN, "Not everyone uses a toothbrush to clean their teeth -- here's what science says about the alternatives," 9 July 2019 Again, whether Thursday's clash will be seen as a chance to rest some legs and freshen up the squad is still unknown - with the USWNT expected to go gung-ho for at least a draw that will see them top the group. SI.com, "2019 Women's World Cup: Sweden vs USA Preview - How to Watch, Live Stream, Team News & More," 20 June 2019 Some vintage pieces have even been freshened up and reupholstered in fun new ways, like a pair of mid-18th century Venetian armchairs that have been recovered in a Fortuny fabric that proves camo can absolutely be chic. Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "This New York City Store Is a Hidden Gem for Colorful, Unexpected Antiques," 11 Mar. 2019 If your Cabernet veered overripe, a small serving of Charbono could freshen it up. Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "The fight to keep alive Charbono, Napa’s nearly extinct heritage grape," 26 June 2019 Drizzle it lightly with olive oil, just to freshen it up. Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, "Hummus and veggie ‘salad’ is quick, satisfying summer supper," 12 June 2019 Or, to quickly freshen it, pop it into the dryer on the air dry or fluff setting with a fabric softener sheet. Lauren Smith, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew in the Mustiest Corners of Your House," 6 Feb. 2019

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

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First Known Use of freshen

1697, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

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More Definitions for freshen

freshen

verb

English Language Learners Definition of freshen

: to make (something) fresh : to cause (something) to be more pleasant
chiefly US, informal : to pour more of a usually alcoholic drink into someone's glass
of wind : to become stronger

freshen

verb
fresh·​en | \ ˈfre-shən How to pronounce freshen (audio) \
freshened; freshening

Kids Definition of freshen

: to make or become fresh I took a shower to freshen up. Wind freshened the air.

freshen

transitive verb
fresh·​en | \ ˈfresh-ən How to pronounce freshen (audio) \
freshened; freshening\ ˈfresh-​(ə-​)niŋ How to pronounce freshening (audio) \

Medical Definition of freshen

of a milk animal
: to begin lactating

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