evaporated; evaporating
Synonyms of evaporatenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to convert into vapor
also : to dissipate or draw off in vapor or fumes
b
: to deposit (a substance, such as a metal) in the form of a film by sublimation
2
a
: to expel moisture from
b
: expel
evaporate electrons from a hot wire

intransitive verb

1
a
: to pass off in vapor or in minute particles
b(1)
: to pass off or away : disappear
her ardor evaporated
(2)
: to diminish quickly
2
: to give forth vapor

Examples of evaporate in a Sentence

Let the liquid start to evaporate. The heat evaporated the water. The opportunity evaporated before he could act on it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The solvent breaks apart dirt and grease molecules and evaporates quickly to leave windows streak-free. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026 The result of this cooler atmosphere will be one more prone to squeezing out tropical moisture rather than just evaporating it. Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The fluid evaporates near the heat source and moves toward a cooler section. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Plenty of surface area helps moisture evaporate efficiently, while moderate heat lets the onions soften and brown gradually, without burning. Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evaporate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin evaporatus, past participle of evaporare, from e- + vapor steam, vapor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of evaporate was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Evaporate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evaporate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

evaporate

verb
evaporated; evaporating
1
: to pass off or cause to pass off into vapor from a liquid state
2
: to pass off or away : disappear
felt the excitement evaporate
3
: to remove some of the water from (as by heating)
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