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

Add to the oil mixture and beat on low speed until the flour is moistened. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

In fact, just days earlier, the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel had slammed the coastline and dumped rain over the region — although not enough to significantly moisten the bone-dry vegetation. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

When adding it to the dough, sprinkle just two tablespoons over top, then pulse the machine several times to moisten the crumbs. — Martha Stewart, 14 Oct. 2026

Uncover dough and moisten hands in water, shaking off excess. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 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