whiten

verb

whit·​en ˈ(h)wī-tᵊn How to pronounce whiten (audio)
whitened; whitening ˈ(h)wīt-niŋ How to pronounce whiten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make white or whiter
snow whitened the hills

intransitive verb

: to become white or whiter

Examples of whiten in a Sentence

His hair whitened as he aged. Bleach will whiten the linens. The new toothpaste whitens teeth.
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.
My knuckles whitened against the steering wheel. MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Rub Out Stains With Toothpaste Use a whitening toothpaste for extra cleaning power. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025 Title loans and teeth whitening The family business was cars. Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025 In addition to whitening agents, the formula includes stannous fluoride, a specific type of fluoride that has antimicrobial properties to help target gingivitis, bad breath, and plaque buildup. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiten

Word History

Etymology

Middle English whitenen, from white white entry 1 + -nen -en entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiten was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Whiten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiten. Accessed 25 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

whiten

verb
whit·​en ˈhwīt-ᵊn How to pronounce whiten (audio)
ˈwīt-
whitened; whitening -ᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce whiten (audio)
-niŋ
: to make or become white or whiter
whitener
-nər
-ᵊn-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on whiten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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