humid

adjective

hu·​mid ˈhyü-məd 

ˈyü-

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

humidly adverb

Synonyms of humid

• damp
• sticky

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

The Twin Cities will see one more hot and humid day on Thursday before a brief cooldown to end the week. — Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 30 July 2026

It’s been an unusually humid summer for more than 215 million people across the United States — a pattern that’s recently been on full display and part of a long-term trend. — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 29 July 2026

According to the Storm Prediction Center, thunderstorms with severe wind gusts will be possible in the region, where warm, humid air is creating an unstable atmosphere. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Sunlight appeared, retreated behind the clouds and returned just long enough to remind us that the French Quarter was still humid and undefeated. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

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