thicken

verb

Save Word

thick·en | \ ˈthi-kən

thickened; thickening\ ˈthik-niŋ

, ˈthi-kə- \

Definition of thicken

intransitive verb

1a : to become dense the mist thickened

b : to become concentrated in numbers, mass, or frequency

2 : to grow blurred or obscure

3 : to grow broader or bulkier

4 : to grow complicated or keen the plot thickens

transitive verb

1a : to make thick, dense, or viscous in consistency thicken gravy with flour

b : to make close or compact

2 : to increase the depth or diameter of

3 : to make inarticulate : blur alcohol thickened his speech

Other Words from thicken More Example Sentences Learn More about thicken

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of thicken in a Sentence

I thickened the gravy with flour. When the mixture thickens, add the remaining ingredients. The fog thickened when night fell.

Recent Examples on the Web Whisk constantly until the custard slightly thickens (lightly coats a spoon). — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "These Sweet Recipes Are Perfect For Celebrating National Frozen Custard Day," 8 Aug. 2019 Don’t worry if some nuts get ground into a powder—they’ll help thicken the dip. — Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, "Go Ahead and Fill Up on This Fiery Cashew Dip," 26 July 2019 In bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "White Chocolate and Lavender Madeleines," 30 Apr. 2019 The exhibition includes early works based in abstract expressionism, the pop art style heads, 1970s process painting and a series of colorful pieces where paint becomes three dimensional by thickening it with Patch-n-Paint. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Fall arts 2019 | Visual art: At 86, artist Richard Allen Morris still experimenting," 15 Sep. 2019 Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are very soft and the mixture starts to thicken, about 30 minutes. — Wolfgang Puck, Twin Cities, "Wolfgang Puck: Cool off with homemade ice cream that captures the essence of summer fruit," 14 Aug. 2019 Whisk on medium to medium-high speed, 2 to 3 minutes, until the cream begins to thicken. — Jessie Sheehan, Washington Post, "A peach melba ice box cake is refreshing, seasonal and all-around, well, peachy," 1 Aug. 2019 Once the mayonnaise begins to thicken, continue adding the oil in a very slow, steady stream, until all the oil has been added. — Bibby Gignilliat, The Mercury News, "Quick Cook: Grilled Portobello Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Aioli," 27 July 2019 Return the linguiça to the pan and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. — BostonGlobe.com, "SOBA WITH MISO BUTTER AND ASPARAGUS," 11 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thicken.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about thicken

Dictionary Entries near thicken

Statistics for thicken

Last Updated

1 Nov 2019

Time Traveler for thicken

The first known use of thicken was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for thicken

thicken

verb

English Language Learners Definition of thicken

: to make (something) thick or thicker or to become thick or thicker

See the full definition for thicken in the English Language Learners Dictionary

thicken

verb

thick·en | \ ˈthi-kən

thickened; thickening

Kids Definition of thicken

: to make or become thick Wait for the pudding to thicken.

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

bruit

to spread as a report or rumor

Test Your Vocabulary

Confusing Words—A Quiz

I invented a brand new toaster robot and ______ it "Sir Toasts-a-Lot."

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

thicken

Definition of thicken

Other Words from thicken

Examples of thicken in a Sentence

First Known Use of thicken

Learn More about thicken

Dictionary Entries near thicken

Statistics for thicken

The first known use of thicken was in the 14th century

English Language Learners Definition of thicken