moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯi-sᵊn 

moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ 

ˈmȯi-sᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make moist

add more water as needed to moisten the dough

intransitive verb

: to become moist

moistener

ˈmȯis-nər 

ˈmȯi-sᵊn-ər

noun

Synonyms of moisten

• wet
• damp
• rinse
• wash
• dampen
• flush
• bedew

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

If the couscous is too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more olive oil to moisten. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

After watering, dig a small hole to check if the top 6 inches or so of soil are moistened. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Once chilled, the cake becomes perfectly moistened, giving the entire dish the texture of a custard. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

Avoid sprinklers, which will moisten the stems and leaves more than the base of the plant; more water will evaporate than soak into your plants' roots. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing moisten

• pre-moisten

Kids Definition

moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯis-ᵊn 

moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become moist

moistener

ˈmȯis-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun