moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯi-sᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio)
moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ How to pronounce moisten (audio)
ˈmȯi-sᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to become moist
moistener
ˈmȯis-nər How to pronounce moisten (audio)
ˈmȯi-sᵊn-ər
noun

Examples of moisten in a Sentence

Corn syrup can be used to moisten and flavor baked foods. The chemical reaction begins as soon as the powder is moistened.
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.
Tokyo Fire officials advised people to cut mochi into small and easy-to-eat pieces, chew it slowly before swallowing and moisten their throats with tea or soup before consuming to aid digestion, Nippon TV and Japan Today said. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025 Add butter, and pulse until crumbs are evenly moistened, about 5 pulses. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Zwilling drip coffee maker that has a showerhead designed to moisten coffee grounds thoroughly and evenly, resulting in smoother and richer coffee. Megan Wahn, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 But there are many ways to moisten your Thanksgiving meal with gravy without introducing any animal products to the plate. Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for moisten 

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of moisten was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near moisten

Cite this Entry

“Moisten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moisten. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

moisten

verb
moist·​en ˈmȯis-ᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio)
moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ How to pronounce moisten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become moist
moistener
ˈmȯis-nər How to pronounce moisten (audio)
-ᵊn-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on moisten

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!