Dictionary

1whet

verb \ˈhwet, ˈwet\

: to make (something, such as a person's appetite or curiosity) sharper or stronger

whet·tedwhet·ting

Full Definition of WHET

transitive verb
1
:  to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone) <whet a knife>
2
:  to make keen or more acute :  excite, stimulate <whet the appetite> <whetted her curiosity>
whet·ter noun
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Origin of WHET

Middle English whetten, from Old English hwettan; akin to Old High German wezzen to whet, waz sharp
First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WHET

Synonyms
edge, grind, hone, stone, strop, sharpen
Antonyms
blunt, dull

Rhymes with WHET

2whet

noun

Definition of WHET

1
dial
a :  a spell of work done with a scythe between the time it is sharpened and the time it needs to be sharpened again
b :  time, while
2
:  something that sharpens or makes keen:
a :  goad, incitement
b :  appetizer; also :  a drink of liquor

First Known Use of WHET

circa 1628

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

finish, gimlet, mull, sake, setup, sommelier, syllabub, vintner, wassail
WHETTER Defined for Kids

whet

verb \ˈhwet, ˈwet\
whet·tedwhet·ting

Definition of WHET for Kids

1
:  to sharpen the edge of by rubbing on or with a stone
2
:  to make (as the appetite) stronger

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