moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯi-sᵊn 

moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ 

ˈmȯi-sᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make moist

add more water as needed to moisten the dough

intransitive verb

: to become moist

moistener

ˈmȯis-nər 

ˈmȯi-sᵊn-ər

noun

Synonyms of moisten

• wet
• damp
• rinse
• wash
• dampen
• flush
• bedew

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

The next several days will see a cooling and moistening trend in both the Bay Area and Central Coast; temperatures are expected to be well below seasonal averages. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Drizzle in 1/4 cup melted butter; stir until evenly moistened and crumbly. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

Arrange some small, flat stones around the puddle to give the butterflies a place to land, and then add enough water to moisten or wet the sand. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

Fill small containers or cell packs with potting soil and moisten. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing moisten

• pre-moisten

Kids Definition

moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯis-ᵊn 

moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become moist

moistener

ˈmȯis-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun