whet — to sharpen (a blade or tool) by grinding or friction
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to sharpen (a blade or tool) by grinding or friction
Pronunciation (IPA): /hwet/
Example Sentences
- The cooking show whetted my appetite so much that I ordered pizza immediately.
- The blacksmith carefully whetted his tools before starting work.
- The movie trailer was designed to whet viewers' curiosity about the mysterious plot.
whet
VERB[/hwet/]
to sharpen (a blade or tool) by grinding or friction

The aroma of grilled steak whet everyone's appetite at the summer barbecue.

Whet the blade, now we're all set - this sharp edge is a winning bet!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'hwettan', meaning to sharpen or make keen. Related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning to sharpen, and possibly connected to 'whet' in the sense of making something sharp or eager.
Breakdown
Old English 'hwettan' (to sharpen) + -∅ (no suffix) = whet (verb meaning to sharpen by grinding or friction)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cooking show whetted my appetite so much that I ordered pizza immediately.”
“The blacksmith carefully whetted his tools before starting work.”
“The movie trailer was designed to whet viewers' curiosity about the mysterious plot.”
“His grandmother's secret recipe whetted his interest in becoming a chef.”
📚Related Words
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