humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd 

ˈyü-

: containing or characterized by perceptible moisture especially to the point of being oppressive

humidly adverb

Synonyms

• damp
• muggy
• sticky
• sultry

Choose the Right Synonym for humid

wet, damp, dank, moist, humid mean covered or more or less soaked with liquid.

wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry.

slipped on the wet pavement

damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture.

clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

Examples of humid in a Sentence

the air was so humid that our beach towels hanging on the line never really got dry

Recent Examples on the Web

The sun began to peek through the clouds as Congressman Emanuel Cleaver stepped up to the podium in the humid Kansas City heat. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2024

Some drugs cannot be stored in bathroom cabinets due to high, humid temperatures. —Anthea Levi, Health, 9 June 2024

The virus is transmitted by a biting midge called Culicoides paraensis, which Durán said has yet to be found on the island, and by certain Culex mosquitoes that live in hot, humid places like Cuba. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 30 May 2024

In a humid climate like Bali, the scent becomes a priority, more than clothing, on some days. —Celeste Polanco, Essence, 28 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French or Latin; French humide, from Latin humidus, from humēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd 

ˈyü-

: damp entry 3, moist

a humid climate

humidly adverb

Medical Definition

humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd  ˈyü- 

: containing or characterized by perceptible moisture especially to the point of being oppressive

a hot humid climate