humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd 

ˈyü-

: containing or characterized by perceptible moisture especially to the point of being oppressive

humidly adverb

Synonyms

• damp
• muggy
• sticky
• sultry

Choose the Right Synonym for humid

wet, damp, dank, moist, humid mean covered or more or less soaked with liquid.

wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry.

slipped on the wet pavement

damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture.

clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

Examples of humid in a Sentence

the air was so humid that our beach towels hanging on the line never really got dry

Recent Examples on the Web

Plates heaped with rice and aromatic curries showcase the island’s culinary riches, while orange king coconuts are cracked open and offered as a sweet, refreshing balm to the humid heat. —Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025

Don't store garland in humid areas either, to prevent mildew, mold, or odor. —Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024

This yields collisions between warm, humid air to the south and cold, dry air to the north. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 28 Dec. 2024

Amid increasing temperatures, outdoor laborers in hot and humid climates like Hong Kong’s are at risk of severe heat stress, heat stroke and even death. —Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French or Latin; French humide, from Latin humidus, from humēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd 

ˈyü-

: damp entry 3, moist

a humid climate

humidly adverb

Medical Definition

humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd  ˈyü- 

: containing or characterized by perceptible moisture especially to the point of being oppressive

a hot humid climate