dew

1 of 2

noun

ˈdü 

 also  ˈdyü

1

meteorology : moisture condensed upon the surfaces of cool bodies especially at night

wet with morning dew

2

: something resembling dew in purity, freshness, or power to refresh

… the golden dew of sleep …

—William Shakespeare

3

: moisture especially when appearing in minute droplets: such as

a

: tears

b

: sweat

c

botany : droplets of water produced by a plant in transpiration

dew transitive verb

dewless

ˈdü-ləs 

 also  ˈdyü-

adjective

DEW

2 of 2

abbreviation

distant early warning

Examples of dew in a Sentence

Noun

The grass was wet with the morning dew.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Our mornings start with a cup of tea drunk at sunrise while the flocks enjoy the dew that is still fresh on the grass. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025

The sudden drop in temperature causes dew to cling to them. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Whichever pitch is picked for the final, the Dubai factor is bigger than the dew factor. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Painting at night has similar humidity concerns, as the dew sets in late in the day and increases the humidity levels. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English dēaw; akin to Old High German tou dew, Greek thein to run

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dew

• dew point
• dew worm
• mountain dew

Rhymes for dew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• do

Kids Definition

dew

noun

ˈd(y)ü 

1

: moisture that collects on the surfaces of cool bodies at night

2

: something resembling dew in purity, freshness, or power to refresh

dewy

ˈd(y)ü-ē

adjective