humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd 

ˈyü-

: containing or characterized by perceptible moisture especially to the point of being oppressive

humidly adverb

Synonyms

• damp
• sticky
• muggy

Choose the Right Synonym for humid

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 humid in a Sentence

the air was so humid that our beach towels hanging on the line never really got dry

Recent Examples on the Web

Given the country’s proximity to the equator, the paddock endures hot and humid conditions when the September race arrives. —Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

For humid Southern climates, the Nexxus Anti-Humidity Spray and Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel are great for creating sleek and smooth hair. —Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025

The Luulityn Toirom Paleolake provided them with rare evidence of human occupation during this humid phase of the Gobi Desert. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025

Somewhere between a sweater and a scarf, a cape is a breezy and versatile piece ideally suited to the volatile forecasts of the city’s humid subtropical climate. —Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French or Latin; French humide, from Latin humidus, from humēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for humid

• tumid

Kids Definition

humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd 

ˈyü-

: damp entry 3, moist

a humid climate

humidly adverb

Medical Definition

humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd  ˈyü- 

: containing or characterized by perceptible moisture especially to the point of being oppressive

a hot humid climate