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

Squares of cardboard were pinned under burger patties to reinforce plumpness; motor oil was poured over pancakes so as not to overly moisten them. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

As with tarping, mow ragweed plants down first, moisten the soil with your hose, anchor the plastic sheeting over the soil with rocks or landscape staples, and leave the sheeting in place for 4 to 6 weeks during hot weather. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026

Mix with a spatula until the dry ingredients are just moistened; do not overmix. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

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

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