thicken

verb

thick·​en ˈthi-kən 

thickened; thickening ˈthi-kə-niŋ 

ˈthik-

intransitive verb

1

a

: to become dense

the mist thickened

b

: to become concentrated in numbers, mass, or frequency

2

: to grow blurred or obscure

3

: to grow broader or bulkier

4

: to grow complicated or keen

the plot thickens

transitive verb

1

a

: to make thick, dense, or viscous in consistency

thicken gravy with flour

b

: to make close or compact

2

: to increase the depth or diameter of

3

: to make inarticulate : blur

alcohol thickened his speech

thickener

ˈthi-kə-nər 

ˈthik-

noun

Examples of thicken in a Sentence

I thickened the gravy with flour.

When the mixture thickens, add the remaining ingredients.

The fog thickened when night fell.

Recent Examples on the Web

Coffees are mixed with fruit juice, scented with flowers, and thickened with rice and even cheese. —Eunice Yoon, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024

This serum is designed to strengthen, lengthen, and thicken your lashes in just a few uses. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024

One is ​​the chili seasoning mix, which not only thickens the soup, but adds heat and a smoky-earthy flavor from the cumin included in it. —Liz Mervosh, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2024

Simmer for two to three minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

thicken

verb

thick·​en ˈthik-ən 

thickened; thickening -(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to make or become thick, dense, or viscous

thicken gravy with flour

2

: to become complicated

the plot thickens

thickener

-(ə-)nər 

noun