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.
Backfill the area with soil to cover the roots, tamp it down to get rid of any air pockets, and water to moisten the soil thoroughly. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025 That could explain the oxygen released from the Mars soil sample when moistened. Joel S. Levine, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025 Heavy rainfall will be possible from the thunderstorms later today as the atmosphere moistens. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 Morning and night, moisten a cotton pad and smooth it over your face and neck. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moisten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moisten. Accessed 16 Sep. 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!