dew

1 of 2

noun

ˈdü 

 also  ˈdyü

1

meteorology : moisture condensed upon the surfaces of cool bodies especially at night

wet with morning dew

2

: something resembling dew in purity, freshness, or power to refresh

… the golden dew of sleep …

—William Shakespeare

3

: moisture especially when appearing in minute droplets: such as

a

: tears

b

: sweat

c

botany : droplets of water produced by a plant in transpiration

dew transitive verb

dewless

ˈdü-ləs 

 also  ˈdyü-

adjective

DEW

2 of 2

abbreviation

distant early warning

Examples of dew in a Sentence

Noun

The grass was wet with the morning dew.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the extreme dry taking summer into winter, its flange collects the scant dew, converting it into persistence and unsentimental imagery. —John Kinsella, The New York Review of Books, 31 Oct. 2024

Be sure to complete mowing by early evening to avoid evening dew settling on the turf, leading to clumps of cut grass. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2024

This set includes a cleanser, dew drop serum, pore refiner, salicylic serum, and hyaluronic acid cream to nourish your skin. —Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024

Say hello to softer, suppler skin that looks as fresh as morning dew. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English dēaw; akin to Old High German tou dew, Greek thein to run

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dew

• dew point
• dew worm
• mountain dew

Kids Definition

dew

noun

ˈd(y)ü 

1

: moisture that collects on the surfaces of cool bodies at night

2

: something resembling dew in purity, freshness, or power to refresh

dewy

ˈd(y)ü-ē

adjective