1 B2 neutral
To apply water to a surface or area to make it thoroughly wet, often for safety or practical reasons.
"Firefighters wet down the surrounding buildings to prevent the blaze from spreading."
separable
wet down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To make a surface or object thoroughly wet, usually as a deliberate and practical action.
In plain English
To put water on something to make it wet, usually for a specific reason.
What does "wet down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To dampen hair, a cloth, or another material before using or styling it.
"He wet down his hair before combing it into place."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To apply water from above so it moves downward and saturates something.
Actually means
To put water on something to make it wet, usually for a specific reason.
Usage tip
Often used in practical or safety contexts, such as wetting down surfaces to reduce dust, prevent fire spread, or prepare for a task. Common in construction, firefighting, and agriculture.
Words that pair with "wet down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
surface roof ground hay tarpaulin road
How to conjugate "wet down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wet down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wets down
he/she/it
Past simple
weted down
yesterday
Past participle
weted down
have + pp
-ing form
weting down
continuous
Hear "wet down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wet down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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