moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯi-sᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio)
moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ How to pronounce moisten (audio)
ˈmȯi-sᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to become moist
moistener
ˈmȯis-nər How to pronounce moisten (audio)
ˈmȯi-sᵊn-ər
noun

Examples of moisten in a Sentence

Corn syrup can be used to moisten and flavor baked foods. The chemical reaction begins as soon as the powder is moistened.
Recent Examples on the Web Add the eggs and oil, stirring just enough to moisten the dry ingredients. Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023 The line inches forward and questions ricochet around your brain as your palms start to moisten: Will the bagel guy be nice to me? Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 1 Nov. 2023 Many experts recommend squirting on white vinegar, dusting the surface with baking soda and covering the area with a cloth moistened with hot water. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023 For dressing that's on the drier side when served, add enough warm stock to the uncooked mixture to evenly moisten all of the ingredients, but not so much that there is standing liquid in the bottom of the mixing bowl. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2023 But then a few light showers possible overnight as a light wind from the south helps to moisten the air a bit. Dan Stillman, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2023 If dry, add a splash of chicken broth to moisten before reheating. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2023 Winds will then gust to over 20 mph by the water and blow clouds toward the west side of San Francisco and the Presidio, moistening the air even further. Gerry Díaz, San Francisco Chronicle, 16 Feb. 2023 Using tongs or a slotted spoon, lower each slice of bread into the broth just until fully moistened; using your hands, gently squeeze to remove excess liquid and add the bread to the blender. Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, 20 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'moisten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of moisten was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near moisten

Cite this Entry

“Moisten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moisten. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

moisten

verb
moist·​en ˈmȯis-ᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio)
moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ How to pronounce moisten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become moist
moistener
ˈmȯis-nər How to pronounce moisten (audio)
-ᵊn-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on moisten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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