WordGarden.iomoist
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɔɪst/
US
- /ˈmɔɪst/
Meanings
Adjective
slightly wet or damp
Beyond the definition
"Moist" describes something that has a little water in it or on it - not soaking wet, but not dry either. It is often used for food, skin, air, soil, or eyes. A good cake can be soft and moist, the ground after light rain may feel moist, and warm summer air can feel moist too.
The word "moist" describes a state between dry and wet. It usually means that something holds a small amount of water or liquid, enough to feel soft, fresh, or slightly damp. A slice of cake can be moist when it is soft and not dry inside. Soil can be moist after rain. Skin can stay moist with cream, and eyes can become moist with tears.
The word is also used for air and climate. When the air is moist, it contains a lot of water vapor, so it feels humid. In this sense, a forest, a greenhouse, or a tropical place may be described as moist.
Depending on the situation, "moist" can sound positive, neutral, or unpleasant. It is positive when talking about food or healthy skin, neutral when talking about weather or soil, and unpleasant when talking about clothing, walls, or other things that people usually want to keep dry. In general, it means slightly wet, with the exact feeling depending on what is being described.
Examples
- 1
Baking
This chocolate cake stays soft and moist for days.
- 2
Cooking
Cover the chicken with foil so it stays moist in the oven.
- 3
Skin care
This cream helps keep your skin moist in winter.
- 4
Soil
The soil should be moist but not too wet before you plant the seeds.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Humid air
By afternoon, the air felt warm and moist after the rain.
- 6
Emotional reaction
Her eyes grew moist when she heard his name.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- moistadjective
Forms
- moistercomparativeadjective
- moistestsuperlativeadjective