1
: a noxious gas compare black damp, firedamp
3
a
b
archaic
: depression, dejection
damped; damping; damps
1
a
: to affect with or as if with a noxious gas : choke
b
: to diminish the activity or intensity of
damping down the causes of inflation
liquid damps out compass oscillations
c
: to check the vibration or oscillation of (something, such as a string or a voltage)
2
: dampen
: to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation
Synonyms
Examples of damp in a Sentence
Noun
The boxes were left outside in the damp.
the damp of the night
Verb
His hands were damped with sweat.
refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success
Adjective
Wipe up the mess with a damp cloth.
Her forehead was damp with perspiration.
My hair's still damp from the rain.
Recent Examples on the Web
E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2023
Sitting at a café in New Haven, he is layered in chamois cloth shirts for the cold and wearing a knitted wool hat for the damp.
—Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023
Keep It Cozy Basements often have practical finishes like cement and tile to help ward off the damp, but that doesn't mean your lower level needs to feel like a utility room.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023
Issues such as mold and damp can lead to respiratory problems and headaches.
—WIRED, 27 June 2023
The upper-level area of low pressure responsible for the recent damp and dreariness starts to drift away tomorrow, making for a somewhat brighter and warmer Thursday, before a sunnier and more springlike Friday through Sunday.
—Dan Stillman, Washington Post, 3 May 2023
This pet cot is an elevated platform designed to keep your furry friend off the ground, giving them a comfortable and secure spot to relax and sleep, while also protecting them from the damp and insects.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2023
The damp is just on her side.
—Keith Ridgway, The New Yorker, 17 May 2021
The damp pierced me through and through….
—Gary Saul Morson, The New York Review of Books, 3 Nov. 2020
The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024
According to Porsche, these provide a greater spread in damping rates across the Macan’s drive modes.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2023
Maybe all the Aztecs (26-10) needed was to breathe in some cool, damp Northwest air to solve their problem with slow starts.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
The modes adjust drivetrain tuning, damping, ABS tuning, engine and transmission tuning, steering and instrument cluster.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024
Examples included a drone shot of waves crashing into a craggy Big Sur coastline under the glow of a setting sun and a clip of a woman strolling down a bustling Tokyo street still damp with rain.
—Angela Yang, NBC News, 15 Feb. 2024
A little more rebound damping on the rear axle may help the RS feel more planted bounding over curbing.
—K.c. Colwell, Car and Driver, 31 Aug. 2023
Both Macan models come equipped with air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping control as standard.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 25 Jan. 2024
And for maximum absorption, Dr. Kung and Dr. Segal recommend applying it to damp skin after bathing.
—Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024
Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2024
To apply it, simply work a small amount through wet or damp hair.
—Rachel Simon, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
Alastair Miller; Maurice Rougemont / Getty Images file In Camembert’s early days, the fungi existed naturally in the air in the damp caves where it was aged, said Emily Monaco, an American writer and cheese connoisseur who lives in Paris.
—Josh Lederman, NBC News, 29 Mar. 2024
The tunnels were dark, damp and too narrow for two people to pass each other.
—Ronen Bergman, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2024
Outside, a crowd of damp customers waiting their turn gathers near the door at the City West Commons spot — undaunted by the afternoon rain.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2024
While Bordeaux has long been considered a cold weather region because of its damp maritime climate, most of its vineyards are at sea level, so warming temperatures there can add to a sense of over-ripeness if grapes are not picked early enough.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024
Once the tinting is complete, excess pigment is removed with the help of a Q-tip and a swipe of damp cotton.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2024
Wipe away the paste and grime with a damp cloth or sponge.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
Noun
The melodramatic piano music has put you on edge, as have the visible damp of the Savannah air and the oak trees dripping with moss.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2023
Sitting at a café in New Haven, he is layered in chamois cloth shirts for the cold and wearing a knitted wool hat for the damp.
—Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023
Keep It Cozy Basements often have practical finishes like cement and tile to help ward off the damp, but that doesn't mean your lower level needs to feel like a utility room.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023
Issues such as mold and damp can lead to respiratory problems and headaches.
—WIRED, 27 June 2023
The upper-level area of low pressure responsible for the recent damp and dreariness starts to drift away tomorrow, making for a somewhat brighter and warmer Thursday, before a sunnier and more springlike Friday through Sunday.
—Dan Stillman, Washington Post, 3 May 2023
This pet cot is an elevated platform designed to keep your furry friend off the ground, giving them a comfortable and secure spot to relax and sleep, while also protecting them from the damp and insects.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2023
The damp is just on her side.
—Keith Ridgway, The New Yorker, 17 May 2021
The damp pierced me through and through….
—Gary Saul Morson, The New York Review of Books, 3 Nov. 2020
Verb
But damp and muddy ground left over from recent rains didn't dampen the spirit at the gathering.
—The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024
According to Porsche, these provide a greater spread in damping rates across the Macan’s drive modes.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2023
Maybe all the Aztecs (26-10) needed was to breathe in some cool, damp Northwest air to solve their problem with slow starts.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
The modes adjust drivetrain tuning, damping, ABS tuning, engine and transmission tuning, steering and instrument cluster.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024
Examples included a drone shot of waves crashing into a craggy Big Sur coastline under the glow of a setting sun and a clip of a woman strolling down a bustling Tokyo street still damp with rain.
—Angela Yang, NBC News, 15 Feb. 2024
A little more rebound damping on the rear axle may help the RS feel more planted bounding over curbing.
—K.c. Colwell, Car and Driver, 31 Aug. 2023
Both Macan models come equipped with air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping control as standard.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 25 Jan. 2024
And for maximum absorption, Dr. Kung and Dr. Segal recommend applying it to damp skin after bathing.
—Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Step 4: Prepare the Pot Embed the cutting into damp potting soil without disturbing the rooting powder, covering it all the way up to the base of the leaves.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2024
To apply it, simply work a small amount through wet or damp hair.
—Rachel Simon, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
Alastair Miller; Maurice Rougemont / Getty Images file In Camembert’s early days, the fungi existed naturally in the air in the damp caves where it was aged, said Emily Monaco, an American writer and cheese connoisseur who lives in Paris.
—Josh Lederman, NBC News, 29 Mar. 2024
The tunnels were dark, damp and too narrow for two people to pass each other.
—Ronen Bergman, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2024
Outside, a crowd of damp customers waiting their turn gathers near the door at the City West Commons spot — undaunted by the afternoon rain.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2024
While Bordeaux has long been considered a cold weather region because of its damp maritime climate, most of its vineyards are at sea level, so warming temperatures there can add to a sense of over-ripeness if grapes are not picked early enough.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024
Once the tinting is complete, excess pigment is removed with the help of a Q-tip and a swipe of damp cotton.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2024
Wipe away the paste and grime with a damp cloth or sponge.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'damp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, black damp, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, vapor; akin to Old High German damph vapor
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Adjective
1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of damp was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing damp
Articles Related to damp
Dictionary Entries Near damp
Cite this Entry
“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damp. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
Medical Definition
damp
noun
: a noxious or stifling gas or vapor
More from Merriam-Webster on damp
Nglish: Translation of damp for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of damp for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about damp
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