moist

adjective

ˈmȯist How to pronounce moist (audio)
Synonyms of moistnext
1
: slightly or moderately wet : not completely dry
plants that prefer constantly moist soil
I love cookies when they are moist and chewy.
2
: tearful
The eyes of both of us … were moist with the joy of success.—Jack London
3
: characterized by high humidity
Fog is formed when warm moist air moves over a cold surface.
moistly adverb
moistness
ˈmȯis(t)-nəs How to pronounce moist (audio)
noun

Synonyms of moist

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wet, damp, dank, moist, humid mean covered or more or less soaked with liquid.

wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry.

slipped on the wet pavement

damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture.

clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

Examples of moist in a Sentence

I love cookies when they are moist and chewy. The pork chops were tender and moist. a moist and spongy chocolate cake The plant grows best in direct sunlight and with rich, moist soil. She dabbed her moist eyes with a handkerchief. Fog is formed when warm moist air moves over a cold surface. The eggs will hatch sooner in warm, moist conditions.
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.
Cheeses made with moist milk mature faster and can develop unpleasantly pungent odors and flavors like ammonia. — Vivian Song, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 Black chokeberry does well in moist, slightly acidic soils and partial shade, but can grow well in various environments. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026 Using mayonnaise in the filling—and to grease the pan—instead of traditional schmaltz or olive oil helps ensure the kugel bakes off moist, rich, and crisp—never dry or greasy. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026 Finally, clean the area gently with warm water or moist wipes, and wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize irritation. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moist

Word History

Etymology

Middle English moiste, from Anglo-French, perhaps from Vulgar Latin *muscidus, alteration of Latin mucidus slimy, from mucus nasal mucus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moist was in the 14th century

Rhymes for moist

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Browse Nearby Words

moissanite
moist
moist color
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Cite this Entry

“Moist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moist. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

moist

adjective
ˈmȯist How to pronounce moist (audio)
1
: slightly or moderately wet
moist earth
2
: characterized by high humidity
moistly adverb
moistness
ˈmȯis(t)-nəs How to pronounce moist (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

moist

adjective
ˈmȯist How to pronounce moist (audio)
1
: slightly or moderately wet
2
a
: marked by a discharge or exudation of liquid
moist eczema
b
: suggestive of the presence of liquid
—used of sounds heard in auscultation
moist rales
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