thickening

noun

thick·​en·​ing ˈthi-kə-niŋ 

ˈthik-

1

: a thickened part or place

2

: the act of making or becoming thick

3

: something used to thicken

Examples of thickening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sugar, butter, eggs, and your choice of thickening agent (flour or cornmeal or a combo of both), come together to make a luscious custard filling that will please even the pickiest of pie eaters. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

Avoid artificial sweeteners and thickening agents, like sugar alcohols and guar gum, to prevent bloating. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026

Two tenderloins roast in the oven, their syrupy pan juices thickening, until a thermometer registers 130 degrees. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

Though cold weather doesn’t have a direct impact on joints, Travis adds, it’s been shown to lead to thickening of the synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints and acts as a shock absorber. —Alyssa Ages, Outside, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thickening

• quickening
• sickening

Kids Definition

thickening

noun

thick·​en·​ing

1

: the act of making or becoming thick

underwent a gradual thickening

2

: a thickened part or place

3

: something used to thicken