mist
mihst
Mist (noun) means a cloud of tiny water droplets floating near the ground, thinner than fog. Example: “A cold mist settled over the valley at dawn.”
noun
1
A cloud of tiny water droplets floating near the ground, thinner than fog.
"A cold mist settled over the valley at dawn."
"Mist rose off the lake in the early morning."
"We drove slowly because a thin mist hung over the country road."
verb
1
To spray with fine droplets, or to become covered in them.
"She misted the plants with water every morning."
"Her eyes misted over as she read the letter."
"The bathroom mirror misted up as soon as he turned on the hot shower."
How to use mist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA light, hazy cloud of moisture in the air, or the act of spraying fine droplets.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "missed" (past tense of miss) — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
missed
fog →
Common pairings
morning mist
a mist of spray
eyes misted over
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Word forms
- Plural
- mists
- Third person singular
- mists
- Past tense
- misted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A cold _____ settled over the valley at dawn.
Etymology
From Old English mist, "mist, fog, or dimness," from an ancient Germanic root meaning "cloud" or "drizzle."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for mist
See all rhymes for mist →Frequently asked questions
What does “mist” mean?
The word “mist” means a cloud of tiny water droplets floating near the ground, thinner than fog. In plain terms, a light, hazy cloud of moisture in the air, or the act of spraying fine droplets.
How do you pronounce “mist”?
“Mist” is pronounced mihst (/mɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “mist” in a sentence?
Here is “mist” used in a sentence: “A cold mist settled over the valley at dawn.”
What part of speech is “mist”?
Depending on how it is used, “mist” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mist” come from?
The word “mist” comes from Old English. From Old English mist, "mist, fog, or dimness," from an ancient Germanic root meaning "cloud" or "drizzle.".
Is “mist” a common word?
“Mist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mist” have?
“Mist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cloud of tiny water droplets floating near the ground, thinner than fog.
What is the difference between mist and fog?
Mist and fog are both clouds of tiny water droplets near the ground, but mist is thinner and reduces visibility less than fog. The distinction is mainly one of density and how far you can see through it.
What is the difference between mist and drizzle?
Mist consists of fine droplets suspended in the air rather than falling, while drizzle is very light rain that actually falls to the ground. Mist reduces visibility without necessarily wetting surfaces the way drizzle does.
Can "mist" be used as a verb?
Yes, "mist" can be used as a verb meaning to spray with fine droplets or to become covered in them, as in misting plants with water or a mirror misting up.
