freshen
Americanverb (used with object)
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to make fresh; refresh, revive, or renew.
We need a good rain to freshen the flowers.
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to remove saltiness from.
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Nautical. to preserve (a rope in use) from prolonged friction or concentrated stress on any one part.
verb (used without object)
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to become or grow fresh.
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(of a cow)
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to commence giving milk after calving.
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to give birth.
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verb phrase
verb
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to make or become fresh or fresher
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(often foll by up) to refresh (oneself), esp by washing
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(intr) (of the wind) to increase
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to lose or cause to lose saltiness
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(intr)
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(of farm animals) to give birth
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(of cows) to commence giving milk after calving
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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freshensimple
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freshenssimple
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have freshenedperfect
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has freshenedperfect
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am fresheningprogressive
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are fresheningprogressive
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is fresheningprogressive
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have been fresheningperfect progressive
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has been fresheningperfect progressive
Past
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freshenedsimple
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had freshenedperfect
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was fresheningprogressive
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were fresheningprogressive
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had been fresheningperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of freshen
Explanation
When you make something feel cleaner or newer, you freshen it. If your grandmother says she's going to freshen her makeup, she might apply some lipstick and powder her nose. There are many ways to freshen, depending on what needs to be made fresh. You can freshen the air in your house by opening all the windows, or freshen up your friend's drink by pouring more lemonade in her glass. A company may decide to freshen their brand's image after a scandal, and you might freshen your breath by swishing a little mouthwash. Back in the 1600s, this verb meant "make stronger."
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.
Next up: a spa-wide renovation to freshen up existing areas.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
When I’m ready to freshen up my fridge, I tend to work up a loose step ladder depending on my energy and the kind of week I’m having.
From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026
Other costs like hiring a painter to freshen up the kitchen or fixing the shower head would be under your purview.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 20, 2026
"It was great to freshen a few players up last weekend and we hope that allows the group to be really competitive on Saturday."
From BBC • Oct. 30, 2025
We all shower and change first, just to freshen up after a long day on the road.
From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
