noun
softener
SO-fuh-nuhr
Softener (noun) means a substance or device used to make something less hard, rough, or harsh — such as hard water or fabric. Example: “They installed a water softener to stop limescale building up in the pipes.”
noun
1
A substance or device used to make something less hard, rough, or harsh — such as hard water or fabric.
"They installed a water softener to stop limescale building up in the pipes."
"She added fabric softener to the wash to keep the towels fluffy."
How to use softener
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething added to a process — like laundry or plumbing — specifically to make things softer.
Common pairings
fabric softener
water softener
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Word forms
- Plural
- softeners
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They installed a water _____ to stop limescale building up in the pipes.
Etymology
From Middle English softener, built from soften plus the agent-suffix -er.
Rhymes for softener
wiener
opener
keener
widener
Wegener
Greener
listener
gardener
sharpener
sweetener
freshener
Kitchener
See all rhymes for softener →
Frequently asked questions
What does “softener” mean?
The word “softener” means a substance or device used to make something less hard, rough, or harsh — such as hard water or fabric. In plain terms, something added to a process — like laundry or plumbing — specifically to make things softer.
How do you pronounce “softener”?
“Softener” is pronounced SO-fuh-nuhr (/ˈsɔfənər/ in IPA).
How do you use “softener” in a sentence?
Here is “softener” used in a sentence: “They installed a water softener to stop limescale building up in the pipes.”
What part of speech is “softener”?
“Softener” is a noun.
Where does the word “softener” come from?
The word “softener” comes from Middle English. From Middle English softener, built from soften plus the agent-suffix -er.
