moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯi-sᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio)
moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ How to pronounce moisten (audio)
ˈmȯi-sᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to become moist
moistener
ˈmȯis-nər How to pronounce moisten (audio)
ˈmȯi-sᵊn-ər
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here and Now Agency/paul vu Music schools can be brutal places, suffused with envy and moistened by tears. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Mar. 2025 Southern California News Group contributor Cathy Thomas has a recipe for Colcannon, a rustic dish of mashed potatoes moistened with milk and butter and mixed with cabbage and onions. Emily St. Martin, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025 Each package comes with a packet of coarse salt, and the instructions say to moisten the surface with water, shower on a little (or a lot) of salt, and warm the pretzel twists in a 350°F before diving in. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2025 How To Clean White Kitchen Cabinets With Vinegar And Baking Soda Stuck-on grease and stains can be removed with a baking soda paste by following these steps: Pour a small amount of baking soda into a bowl and just enough vinegar to moisten it. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moisten

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of moisten was in 1559

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Cite this Entry

“Moisten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moisten. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

moisten

verb
moist·​en ˈmȯis-ᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio)
moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ How to pronounce moisten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become moist
moistener
ˈmȯis-nər How to pronounce moisten (audio)
-ᵊn-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on moisten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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