whiten

verb

whit·​en ˈ(h)wī-tᵊn 

whitened; whitening ˈ(h)wīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make white or whiter

snow whitened the hills

intransitive verb

: to become white or whiter

Synonyms

• blanch
• bleach
• blench
• decolorize
• dull
• fade
• pale
• snow
• wash out

Examples of whiten in a Sentence

His hair whitened as he aged.

Bleach will whiten the linens.

The new toothpaste whitens teeth.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, the whitening agent titanium dioxide in soups and dairy products can build up in the body and even damage DNA. European countries take a much more precautionary approach to additives in their food, Benesh says. —Jonquilyn Hill, Vox, 5 Nov. 2024

As an alternative to chlorine bleach for whitening whites, try oxygen bleach, baking soda, or laundry bluing, an old-fashioned laundry product that is excellent at brightening dingy or yellowed whites. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024

Teeth whitening gadgets like the Colgate Whitening Pen are super helpful to give yourself a sparkling smile just in time for the holiday season! —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024

Skip a trip to the dentist and do it at home using this teeth whitening pen. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English whitenen, from white white entry 1 + -nen -en entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

whiten

verb

whit·​en ˈhwīt-ᵊn 

ˈwīt-

whitened; whitening -ᵊn-iŋ 

-niŋ

: to make or become white or whiter

whitener

-nər

-ᵊn-ər

noun