What does dehumidifier mean?
A dehumidifier is a device that reduces the amount of moisture in the air, usually by cooling humid air so that water vapour condenses and can be collected. It is commonly used in homes, particularly in basements, bedrooms, and other spaces that remain damp, as well as in warehouses, museums, and commercial buildings where excess humidity can damage materials or encourage mould. The word is practical and largely neutral, with the added implication that the device provides active control over moisture rather than merely measuring humidity. Dehumidifiers may operate using refrigeration, heating, or desiccant technology, so they are not limited to portable household models. In everyday use, the term most often refers to a freestanding or installed appliance intended to protect a room, its contents, or its occupants from excessive dampness. Its usefulness lies in turning an uncomfortable or potentially damaging level of humidity into a controlled, drier environment.
nounA device that reduces the amount of water vapour in the air, often by cooling and condensing the vapour so the resulting water can be collected.
- An appliance or device designed to reduce the moisture content of indoor air.
"We used a portable dehumidifier to keep the basement dry during the rainy season."
"The dehumidifier in the bedroom helps keep the walls dry during humid weather."
"A commercial dehumidifier is being used to protect stored documents from moisture damage."
The plural is formed by adding -s to the noun.
"Several dehumidifiers are running throughout the building."
A dehumidifier can pull surprising amounts of water out of damp air, helping turn a musty room into a drier, more comfortable space.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does dehumidifier come from?
“Dehumidifier” is an English formation combining de-, meaning removal or reversal, with humid, meaning moist, and the suffix -ifier, denoting an agent or device that performs an action. Its root humid derives from Latin humidus, meaning “moist”; related forms such as humidity, humidify, and dehydrate share this Latin foundation.
Related word forms
How dehumidifier is actually used
Usually a countable noun used for household, commercial, or industrial equipment. The term is more technical than simply saying “a machine for removing damp,” but is widely understood.
Easily confused with dehumidifier
A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, whereas a humidifier adds moisture to it.