adj

moist

moyst

adj

Slightly wet; damp.

"The soil felt moist after the morning rain."

"She wiped the counter with a moist cloth."

Of eyes: filled with tears.

"His eyes went moist as he read the letter aloud."

(of a climate) Humid or rainy.

"The rainforest has a warm, moist climate year-round."

How to Use Moist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSlightly wet or damp, without being soaking or dripping.

Common mistake

Many English speakers report a strong aversion to this word's sound, especially in food contexts ("moist cake") — a well-documented quirk, not a grammar issue.

Common pairings

moist soil moist air moist eyes moist towelette

Word Forms

moister comparative, more moist comparative, moisted past tense, Moists plural, moists singular, moistest superlative, most moist superlative

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The soil felt _____ after the morning rain.

Etymology

From Middle English moist, from Old French moiste, of uncertain further origin, possibly blending a Latin word for "mouldy" with one meaning "grape juice, must."

Rhymes for moist

hoist Taoist egoist soloist

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