whet
verb (used with object)
to sharpen (a knife, tool, etc.) by grinding or friction.
whetting
-
present participleof whet.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many of the images are succeeding in drawing attention — but for reasons that have little to do with whetting diners’ appetites.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
Williams beat 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns on her comeback in Washington, whetting her appetite for more competitive action.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2025
With joy in short supply these days, whetting our focus on what matters counts.
From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2025
But it was hard not to feel like these bite-size concerts were whetting the appetite for a full meal that may never come this way again.
From New York Times ● Apr. 27, 2023
The dwarf had been whetting the edge of his axe and making some mordant jest when Bronn spotted the banner the riders carried before them, the moon-and-falcon of House Arryn, sky-blue and white.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
