whet

[ hwet, wet ]

verb (used with object)

, whet·ted, whet·ting.

1. to sharpen (a knife, tool, etc.) by grinding or friction.
2. to make keen or eager; stimulate:

   to whet the appetite; to whet the curiosity.

noun

1. the act of whetting.
2. something that whets; appetizer or drink.
3. Chiefly Southern U.S.
   1. a spell of work.
   2. a while:

      to talk a whet.

whet

/ wɛt /

verb

1. to sharpen, as by grinding or friction
2. to increase or enhance (the appetite, desire, etc); stimulate

noun

1. the act of whetting
2. a person or thing that whets

Derived Forms

• ˈwhetter, noun

Other Words From

• whet·ter noun
• un·whet·ted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whet¹

before 900; Middle English whetten (v.), Old English hwettan (derivative of hwæt bold); cognate with German wetzen, Old Norse hvetja, Gothic gahwatjan to incite

Word History and Origins

Origin of whet¹

Old English hwettan; related to hvæt sharp, Old High German hwezzen, Old Norse hvetja, Gothic hvatjan

Example Sentences

To whet your appetite, you can relive that glorious moment (and watch other programs from the 2014 summit) here.

From The Daily Beast

To whet your appetite, here are three heavy-hitting fashion moments happening in the coming days.

From The Daily Beast

And his accessible focus on food will whet the appetite of gourmands and food novices alike.

From The Daily Beast

Unfortunately, he was afflicted with elephantiasis, and his appearance did not at all tend to whet the edge of our appetites.

From Project Gutenberg

And this was as it should be; the intent of that little prologue was merely to whet the appetite for the real play.

From Project Gutenberg

Also, to wondering if Nova Scotia air was to whet their appetites this way all the time.

From Project Gutenberg

Vermouth and absinthe had been served to whet their appetites, and every one had been at once put into good spirits.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, it seemed only to whet the appetite, and we both set out on an eager expedition for more food.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• incite
• kindle
• pique
• stimulate