damp

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈdamp How to pronounce damp (audio)
Synonyms of damp
1
: a noxious gas compare black damp, firedamp
2
: moisture:
a
: humidity, dampness
b
archaic : fog, mist
3
a
: discouragement, check
b
archaic : depression, dejection

damp

2 of 4

verb

damped; damping; damps

transitive verb

1
a
: to affect with or as if with a noxious gas : choke
b
: to diminish the activity or intensity of
damping down the causes of inflation
liquid damps out compass oscillations
c
: to check the vibration or oscillation of (something, such as a string or a voltage)
2
: dampen

intransitive verb

: to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation

damp

3 of 4

adjective

1
: slightly or moderately wet : moist
a damp towel
also : humid
damp weather
2
a
archaic : being confused, bewildered, or shocked : stupefied
b
: depressed, dull
dampish
ˈdam-pish How to pronounce damp (audio)
adjective
damply adverb
dampness noun

dampness

4 of 4

noun (2)

damp·​ness ˈdamp-nəs How to pronounce dampness (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being damp

Synonyms of damp

Relevance

Noun (1)

Verb

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for damp

wet, damp, dank, moist, humid mean covered or more or less soaked with liquid.

wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry.

slipped on the wet pavement

damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture.

clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

Examples of damp in a Sentence

Noun (1) The boxes were left outside in the damp. the damp of the night Verb His hands were damped with sweat. refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success Adjective Wipe up the mess with a damp cloth. Her forehead was damp with perspiration. My hair's still damp from the rain.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Characters rarely thrive in Harrenhal, but the damp is doing wonders for Aemond’s hair. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 Raking Up Lawn Clippings Fireflies need moisture just like any other insect and are more likely to shelter in spots that feel a little damp. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026
Verb
This helps the roots start growing but doesn’t make the bulbs damp enough to rot. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 The chassis features a unique rear hinge that splits slightly upon impact, helping to damp street vibrations and preventing the scooter from bottoming out on minor debris. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
When standard fabrics get wet, the damp areas appear to be a darker shade because light is reflected differently. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 As an additional protection, the frame is sealed with a splash-resistant rating, meaning the internal electronics are safe from dust ingress and spray during damp morning commutes. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for damp

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, black damp, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, vapor; akin to Old High German damph vapor

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Adjective

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of damp was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing damp

Rhymes for damp

See All Rhymes for damp

Browse Nearby Words

damourite
damp
damp course
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damp. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

damp

1 of 3 noun
ˈdamp How to pronounce damp (audio)
1
: a harmful gas especially in a coal mine
2
: moisture, humidity
3
: discouragement sense 2

damp

2 of 3 verb
: dampen

damp

3 of 3 adjective
: slightly wet
dampness noun

Medical Definition

damp

noun
ˈdamp How to pronounce damp (audio)
: a noxious or stifling gas or vapor
especially : one occurring in coal mines
—usually used in plural see black damp, firedamp

More from Merriam-Webster on damp

Nglish: Translation of damp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about damp

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