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
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
Novo Nordisk had wanted to freshen up the board by adding select, new competencies while also maintaining continuity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025
“I’m gonna take a quick potty break and freshen up, if you don’t mind. Then we’ll be on our way.”
From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone
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.
