whet

verb

\ ˈhwet

, ˈwet\

whetted; whetting

Definition of whet

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (such as a stone) whet a knife

2 : to make keen or more acute : excite, stimulate whet the appetite whetted her curiosity

whet

noun

Definition of whet (Entry 2 of 2)

1 dialect

a : a spell of work done with a scythe between the time it is sharpened and the time it needs to be sharpened again

b : time, while

2 : something that sharpens or makes keen:

a : goad, incitement

b : appetizer also : a drink of liquor

Other Words from whet Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about whet

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Synonyms & Antonyms for whet

Synonyms: Verb

edge, grind, hone, sharpen, stone, strop

Antonyms: Verb

blunt, dull

Examples of whet in a Sentence

Verb

We had some wine to whet our appetites. The ads are trying to whet booksellers' interest.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The immediate satisfaction of a quick, simple, and delicious dish will whet your appetite for more. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "How I Conquered the Kitchen and Finally Started Cooking for Myself," 25 Jan. 2019 This, directed by Watanabe and drawn in part by Aramaki, was exactly the kind of tone-perfect glimpse at the series that whet our appetites for the eventual film. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Adult Swim, Crunchyroll announce first-ever co-production: A Blade Runner anime," 29 Nov. 2018 But the end result was three entertaining games in a playoff-ready atmosphere that whetted the appetite for Round Two in Dodger Stadium. — Paul Sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Longtime Cubs-Dodgers rivalry gets intense reboot," 22 June 2018 Almost every passing headline deepens the Brexiteers’ gloom—and whets their appetite for more tales of betrayal. — The Economist, "Brexiteers fear being stitched up by the establishment," 14 June 2018 Here are a few examples to whet your appetite in the Midwest. — Katherine Rodeghier, chicagotribune.com, "Midwest eats: Spice up your meal by dining in one of these repurposed restaurants," 26 June 2018 The Hellfighters made their first appearance in France in 1918, helping to whet Europe’s appetite for jazz. — New York Times, "15 Pop, Rock and Jazz Concerts to Check Out in N.Y.C. This Weekend," 7 June 2018 Or stick to bartender Federico's clever originals, and whet your appetite on the extensive buffet full of classics like meatballs, foccaccia, and pastas. — Maresa Manara, Condé Nast Traveler, "19 Best Spots for Aperitivo in Rome," 1 Mar. 2018 An era of low interest rates that whet investor appetites for higher yield helped sustain Sears’ access to credit markets for a time. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "How Sears Lost Its Mojo," 12 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Threatened and Endangered Raptors: Wednesday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. Meet an American kestrel, a peregrine falcon, a whet owl and an eagle and learn what causes raptors to be threatened and endangered, with Horizon Wings. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 3 Apr. 2018 The list includes three reds, five whites and four whet-your-palate 2017 pinks. — Anne Schamberg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A dozen irresistible warm-weather wines for $20 or less - available in Milwaukee-area stores," 26 Apr. 2018 Your appetite is whet by watching the chef masterly slicing the succulent pork right off the spit; the resulting taco does not disappoint. — Olivia Abel, Country Living, "Weekend Getaway Guide: What to Do In Columbus, Ohio," 22 June 2017 And a tiny northern saw-whet owl, blind in one eye after crashing into a window, will begin training to be an educational bird. — Colorado Springs Gazette, The Denver Post, "Raptor center gives Colorado birds of prey a second chance at survival," 21 Jan. 2017

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