freshen

verb

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

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
freshener noun

Examples of freshen in a Sentence

a mint that freshens the breath Can I freshen your drink?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The foaming tablets penetrate residue and grime build-up and freshen your disposal with a clean citrus scent. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 Alternatively, try a trendy mouthwash from Moon that freshens and whitens at the same time, without the use of fluoride or alcohol. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2024 Freed from the day-to-day management of the party, but almost certain to run again for the presidency in 2027, Le Pen has been able to freshen the RN’s image and untether it from its reputation. Christian Edwards, CNN, 4 July 2024 Images To freshen your memory, Gibbs joined NIS not long after completing his tour in Operation Desert Storm and retiring — all while mourning Shannon and Kelly, both of whom were murdered by drug dealer Pedro Hernandez while Gibbs was still overseas, about to return home. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for freshen 

Word History

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of freshen was in 1532

Dictionary Entries Near freshen

Cite this Entry

“Freshen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshen. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

freshen

verb
fresh·​en ˈfresh-ən How to pronounce freshen (audio)
freshened; freshening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce freshen (audio)
1
: to make or become fresh : refresh
freshen up with a shower
2
: to become brisk or strong
the wind freshened
3
: to brighten in appearance
freshen up a room with some color
freshener noun

Medical Definition

freshen

transitive verb
fresh·​en ˈfresh-ən How to pronounce freshen (audio)
freshened; freshening ˈfresh-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce freshen (audio)
of a milk animal
: to begin lactating

More from Merriam-Webster on freshen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!