humidifier

American  

[hyoo-mid-uh-fahy-er, yoo-] / hyuˈmɪd əˌfaɪ ər, yu- /

noun

1. a device for increasing the amount of water vapor in the air of a room or building, consisting of a container for water and a vaporizer.

2. any device for regulating the amount of water vapor in a specific container or area.

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humidifier British  

/ hjuːˈmɪdɪˌfaɪə /

noun

1. a device for increasing or controlling the water vapour in a room, building, etc

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Etymology

Origin of humidifier

First recorded in 1880–85; humidify + -er ¹

Explanation

A machine that fills the air around it with moisture is called a humidifier. Turning on a humidifier can help you breathe more easily when you have a bad cold. When the air in a room is too dry, it can cause all kinds of problems: itchy skin, irritated eyes, and coughing. A humidifier is a device that humidifies (or adds moisture to) a space by sending steam or water vapor into the air. The word comes from humid, or "damp," and its Latin root humidus, which means "wet." If your houseplants are turning brown and slightly crispy, you should definitely try using a humidifier.

Example Sentences

I get the humidifier all set with essential oils, turn the lights down and try to have the last hour with no blue light, sugar, food, and keep it really quiet and soft.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2025

Provide ample humidity by misting the plant daily, running a humidifier nearby or placing the pot on a shallow pebble-filled tray to which you’ve added water.

From Washington Times • Oct. 17, 2023

Put fans in the child’s room or set up a cool mist humidifier to help their lungs.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2022

A humidifier might help you sleep better by moisturizing your nose and throat, she added, but it probably can’t stop your snoring.

From New York Times • May 12, 2022

Then she pushed the bag back as far as she could on the highest shelf in the closet, behind the towels and a humidifier.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell