moist

[moist]

adjective

moister, moistest 

1. moderately or slightly wet; damp.

   Synonyms: dank
   Antonyms: dry

2. (of the eyes) tearful.

   Antonyms: dry

3. accompanied by or connected with liquid or moisture.

4. (of the air) having high humidity.

moist

/ mɔɪst /

adjective

1. slightly damp or wet

2. saturated with or suggestive of moisture

Other Word Forms

• moistful adjective
• moistless adjective
• moistly adverb
• moistness noun
• overmoist adjective
• semimoist adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of moist¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English moiste, from Middle French; connected with Latin mūcidus “musty, moldy”; mucid

Word History and Origins

Origin of moist¹

C14: from Old French, ultimately related to Latin mūcidus musty, from mūcus _mucus

Synonym Study

See damp.

Example Sentences

That happens when a sudden updraft in humid, moist air leads to a heavy and localised burst of rain.

Read more on BBC

As warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface, winds begin to spin.

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A hurricane forms when warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface and creates a spinning system of clouds and storms.

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A quintessential fall treat, TJ’s Apple Cider Donuts are soft, moist, cozy and slightly spicy.

Read more on Salon

But even when rain isn’t falling, Southern California will feel the effects of the moist air mass over the region.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• damp 
• humid 
• muggy 
• rainy 
• soggy 
• watery