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

The Pacific side offers a hot and dry climate; the Caribbean side is humid and warmer; while in the highlands, there’s more rain and lower temperatures. —Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

The kernels can become sticky during rainy or humid periods and plug up feeder ports. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2024

Expect to clean them more frequently in humid or rainy regions. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024

By winter, August’s humid cloak is long gone, freeing up temperate breezes that whirl in from the cooling waters of the Atlantic—a time locals know in their bones as oyster season. —Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appétit, 13 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