# moisture

/ˈmɔɪstʃɝ/ (US) · /mˈɔɪstʃɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. liquid on a surface or in the air

noun · CEFR B1

a small amount of water or other liquid that makes something feel damp or wet.

For teachers: water or other liquid diffused in a small quantity as vapour, within a solid, or condensed on a surface.

- The morning moisture on the grass soaked through my shoes as I walked.
- The high levels of moisture in the basement eventually led to the growth of mould along the lower edges of the drywall.

Usage: Usually uncountable; when used in the plural, it refers to different types or sources of liquid.

### 2. skin condition

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the amount of liquid on your skin, which doctors check to see if you are healthy.

For teachers: the state of the skin's surface regarding hydration or perspiration, evaluated during a clinical assessment.

- The nurse checked the patient's skin moisture to see if they were dehydrated.
- During the primary survey, the paramedic noted that the patient's skin moisture was diaphoretic, suggesting a possible state of shock.

Usage: Often used in clinical reports to describe skin as dry, moist, or clammy.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to medical contexts; in everyday English, people usually just say 'sweat' or 'dry skin'.

## Examples

- The morning sun dried the moisture on the grass.
- Plants absorb moisture from the soil through their roots to stay healthy during dry weather.
- The skin's natural barrier prevents excessive moisture loss, which is essential for maintaining elasticity and protecting against environmental irritants.

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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.