# moist

/ˈmɔɪst/ (US) · /mˈɔɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moist
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. slightly wet

adjective · CEFR B1

slightly wet or damp, often in a pleasant way.

For teachers: characterized by a slight degree of liquid or moisture; not dry.

- The cake was delicious and moist because she added extra yogurt to the mix.
- The gardener ensured the soil remained moist but not waterlogged, providing the ideal environment for the delicate seedlings to take root.

### 2. tearful eyes

adjective · CEFR B2 · Literary

when your eyes are wet with tears.

For teachers: pertaining to eyes that are damp or glistening with tears, often due to strong emotion.

- Her eyes were moist as she said goodbye to her old friends at the airport.
- He spoke with a trembling voice, his moist eyes betraying the deep sense of loss he felt during the memorial service.

### 3. medical fluid

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

containing or producing a fluid like mucus or pus.

For teachers: characterized by the presence or production of fluid, such as mucus or phlegm, often used to describe a cough or a wound.

- The doctor asked if he had a dry cough or a moist one.
- The nurse noted that the wound remained moist, indicating that the healing process was progressing without the formation of a hard crust.

Usage: In a medical context, a 'moist cough' is often called a 'productive cough'.

## Examples

- The cake is very moist and delicious.
- The gardener made sure the soil remained moist but not soaked to help the seeds grow.
- After the heavy morning mist, the air felt thick and moist, clinging to the leaves of the ancient oaks that lined the forest path.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.