First Known Use: before 12th century
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
— 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
2whet
noun
Definition of WHET
1
2
: something that sharpens or makes keen: a : goad, incitement b : appetizer; also : a drink of liquor
First Known Use of WHET
circa 1628
WHET[1] 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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