damper; dampest
: somewhat or slightly wet
Wipe up the mess with a damp cloth.
Her forehead was damp with perspiration.
My hair's still damp from the rain.
a damp spring day
damp [=humid] weather
: slight wetness in the air
The books from her basement still smelled of damp. [=dampness]
The boxes were left outside in the damp.
the damp of the night
damps; damped; damping
1
: to make (something) somewhat or slightly wet : dampen
His hands were damped with sweat.
2
: to make (something) less strong or active
Nothing could damp [=(more commonly) dampen, depress] his spirits.
Cite this Entry
“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/damp. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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