whet

[ hwet, wet ]

verb (used with object)

, whet·ted, whet·ting.

1. to sharpen (a knife, tool, etc.) by grinding or friction.
2. to make keen or eager; stimulate:

   to whet the appetite; to whet the curiosity.

noun

1. the act of whetting.
2. something that whets; appetizer or drink.
3. Chiefly Southern U.S.
   1. a spell of work.
   2. a while:

      to talk a whet.

whet

/ wɛt /

verb

1. to sharpen, as by grinding or friction
2. to increase or enhance (the appetite, desire, etc); stimulate

noun

1. the act of whetting
2. a person or thing that whets

Derived Forms

• ˈwhetter, noun

Other Words From

• whet·ter noun
• un·whet·ted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whet¹

before 900; Middle English whetten (v.), Old English hwettan (derivative of hwæt bold); cognate with German wetzen, Old Norse hvetja, Gothic gahwatjan to incite

Word History and Origins

Origin of whet¹

Old English hwettan; related to hvæt sharp, Old High German hwezzen, Old Norse hvetja, Gothic hvatjan

Example Sentences

George says that England's form in training and a return to Twickenham for the first time since a thunderous 23-22 Six Nations win over Ireland in March have whetted his appetite for the match.

From BBC

While the business acumen of both clubs can be appreciated and has certainly positioned these two sides to take part in this huge fixture, it is the quality on the field that whets the appetite.

From BBC

Its appetite whetted, DraftKings moved to incorporate NFTs into its fantasy sports contest business by securing exclusive rights to all NFL players’ names, images and likenesses — together known as NIL rights.

From Los Angeles Times

If nothing else, this episode whetted the appetite for next week’s return of Maya Rudolph as host.

From Los Angeles Times

There was even a powerful rally-inspired turbo model to whet the appetite of teenage tearaways - though they could never have afforded the insurance.

From BBC

Related Words

• incite
• kindle
• pique
• stimulate