freshen

verb

fresh·​en ˈfre-shən How to pronounce freshen (audio)
freshened; freshening ˈfre-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce freshen (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to grow or become fresh: such as
a
of wind : to increase in strength
b
: to become fresh in appearance or vitality
usually used with up
freshen up with a shower
2
of a milk animal : to begin lactating

transitive verb

: to make fresh
also : refresh, revive
freshener noun

Examples of freshen in a Sentence

a mint that freshens the breath Can I freshen your drink?
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'freshen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of freshen was in 1532

Dictionary Entries Near freshen

Cite this Entry

“Freshen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshen. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

freshen

verb
fresh·​en ˈfresh-ən How to pronounce freshen (audio)
freshened; freshening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce freshen (audio)
1
: to make or become fresh : refresh
freshen up with a shower
2
: to become brisk or strong
the wind freshened
3
: to brighten in appearance
freshen up a room with some color
freshener noun

Medical Definition

freshen

transitive verb
fresh·​en ˈfresh-ən How to pronounce freshen (audio)
freshened; freshening ˈfresh-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce freshen (audio)
of a milk animal
: to begin lactating

More from Merriam-Webster on freshen

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