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

Add the mixture to the sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024

Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened slightly, about 1 minute. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024

Pour in the stock and milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. —Farideh Sadeghin, Saveur, 29 Nov. 2024

Whisk in the flour mixture and cook for 5 minutes to thicken the gravy and cook out the raw flour taste. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 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