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

A week ago, workers were planting lettuce on a humid and overcast day. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025

Despite the humid conditions and occasional rain, spectators were treated to the thunderous roar of twenty Formula 1 engines pushing the boundaries of technology and human performance. —Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

With the climate crisis driving warmer and more humid conditions, certain fungal diseases, once confined to tropical regions, are making their way into temperate zones across Europe, posing significant health risks to humans and wildlife. —Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025

Infectious fungal spores have an easier time remaining viable and spreading in damp or humid conditions. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for humid

• tumid

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