damp

1 of 3

adjective

ˈdamp 

1

: slightly or moderately wet : moist

a damp towel

also : humid

damp weather

2

a

archaic : being confused, bewildered, or shocked : stupefied

b

: depressed, dull

dampish

ˈdam-pish 

adjective

damply adverb

dampness noun

damp

2 of 3

noun

1

: moisture:

a

: humidity, dampness

b

archaic : fog, mist

2

: a noxious gas compare black damp, firedamp

3

a

: discouragement, check

b

archaic : depression, dejection

damp

3 of 3

verb

damped; damping; damps

transitive verb

1

: dampen

2

a

: to diminish the activity or intensity of

damping down the causes of inflation

liquid damps out compass oscillations

b

: to check the vibration or oscillation of (something, such as a string or a voltage)

c

: to affect with or as if with a noxious gas : choke

intransitive verb

: to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation

Synonyms of damp

Adjective

• humid

Noun

• moisture
• humidity

Verb

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

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

Adjective

Wipe up the mess with a damp cloth.

Her forehead was damp with perspiration.

My hair's still damp from the rain.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

When standard fabrics get wet, the damp areas appear to be a darker shade because light is reflected differently. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

As an additional protection, the frame is sealed with a splash-resistant rating, meaning the internal electronics are safe from dust ingress and spray during damp morning commutes. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

Characters rarely thrive in Harrenhal, but the damp is doing wonders for Aemond’s hair. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

Raking Up Lawn Clippings Fireflies need moisture just like any other insect and are more likely to shelter in spots that feel a little damp. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

Verb

This helps the roots start growing but doesn’t make the bulbs damp enough to rot. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026

The chassis features a unique rear hinge that splits slightly upon impact, helping to damp street vibrations and preventing the scooter from bottoming out on minor debris. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

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

Adjective

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2c

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