fatten

verb

fat·​ten ˈfa-tᵊn 

fattened; fattening fa-tə-niŋ 

ˈfat-niŋˈ

transitive verb

1

a

: to make fat, fleshy, or plump

especially : to feed (an animal) for slaughter

b

: to make more substantial

2

: to make fertile

intransitive verb

: to become fat

fattener

ˈfa-tə-nər 

ˈfat-nər

noun

Examples of fatten in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the next two weeks, the Rockets have a chance to fatten their record against some weaker competition, before things get much more difficult. —Rahat Huq, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Salmon, steelhead, and Pacific lamprey spend most of their lives in the ocean, which fattens them for their long migration (totaling hundreds of miles) up the Klamath River to reproduce. —Kelly Bastone, Outside Online, 24 Nov. 2024

The good news is that barbecue season doesn't have to be fattening. —Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Think outside of the box instead of turning to the typical fattening options like ice cream, pie, cake or cookies. —Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

fatten

verb

fat·​ten ˈfat-ᵊn 

fattened; fattening ˈfat-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become fat

fattener

-(ə-)nər 

noun