thickening

noun

thick·​en·​ing ˈthi-kə-niŋ 

ˈthik-

1

: a thickened part or place

2

: the act of making or becoming thick

3

: something used to thicken

Examples of thickening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An InStyle writer’s 72-year-old mom has fine, flat hair and relies on thickening shampoos. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 June 2026

Similar to chia seeds, ground flaxseeds have a mild thickening effect. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 17 June 2026

Pulmonary fibrosis, a thickening and damaging of the lungs, would eventually force him into retirement. — CBS News, 26 May 2026

Pulmonary fibrosis, a thickening and damaging of the lungs, would eventually force him into retirement. — ABC News, 25 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thickening

• quickening
• sickening

Kids Definition

thickening

noun

thick·​en·​ing

1

: the act of making or becoming thick

underwent a gradual thickening

2

: a thickened part or place

3

: something used to thicken