damp

1 of 3

noun

ˈdamp 

1

: a noxious gas compare black damp, firedamp

2

: moisture:

a

: humidity, dampness

b

archaic : fog, mist

3

a

: discouragement, check

b

archaic : depression, dejection

damp

2 of 3

verb

damped; damping; damps

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation

damp

3 of 3

adjective

1

a

archaic : being confused, bewildered, or shocked : stupefied

b

: depressed, dull

2

: slightly or moderately wet : moist

a damp towel

also : humid

damp weather

dampish

ˈdam-pish 

adjective

damply adverb

dampness noun

Synonyms

Noun

• moisture
• humidity

Verb

• drain
• undermine
• exhaust
• weaken
• dampen
• wear
• desiccate
• deaden
• petrify
• dehydrate
• devitalize

Adjective

• humid

Choose the Right Synonym for damp

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 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

Noun

Split open at the seam and tender female feet urged in to keep the damp and mud at bay; slippers of a sort. —Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025

Invigorated by the damp, fungi living quietly in the soil sprout fruiting bodies. —Rachel Bujalski Veronique Greenwood, New York Times, 11 June 2024

Verb

This may predispose plants to problems like root rot and damping off disease. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025

Tackling mountain roads was a real treat in this AMG; steering response and weight were solid, and while too stiff in its most hardcore setting, damping made the experience wonderfully engaging and confidence-inspiring. —Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Adjective

One of the worst times to mow the lawn is when the leaf blades are damp from rain, irrigation, or dew. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 July 2025

Washing dishes and cleaning your sink will remove possible attractions for pests and breeding grounds for mold or other smells that gather in a damp sink. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing damp

• black damp
• damp squib

Rhymes for damp

• amp
• champ
• clamp
• cramp
• gamp
• lamp
• ramp
• samp
• scamp
• stamp
• tamp
• tramp

Kids Definition

damp

1 of 3 noun

ˈdamp 

1

: a harmful gas especially in a coal mine

2

: moisture, humidity

3

: discouragement sense 2

damp

2 of 3 verb

: dampen

damp

3 of 3 adjective

: slightly wet

dampness noun

Medical Definition

damp

noun

ˈdamp 

: a noxious or stifling gas or vapor

especially : one occurring in coal mines

—usually used in plural see black damp, firedamp