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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Add egg whites and beat with an electric mixer at low speed until evenly moistened, about 1 minute. Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025 Smart Cleaning with Pre-Wet, Adjustable Wash, and Warm Drying The T38 includes a pre-wet feature that releases a gentle stream of water to moisten the bowl before use, which may help reduce residue and support more effective flushing. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 16 July 2025 Take the bread cubes and moisten them with the leftover marinade from the vegetables. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 June 2025 Check container plants frequently and moisten when the surface soil feels dry. 73. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moisten

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of moisten was in 1559

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moisten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moisten. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!