dewey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Descriptive
Quick answer
What does “dewey” mean?
Covered in small drops of moisture (dew), appearing wet or glistening.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Covered in small drops of moisture (dew), appearing wet or glistening.
A given name and surname, notably of Melvil Dewey (inventor of the Dewey Decimal System). When describing eyes, it can imply innocence, freshness, or sentimental moisture (as if about to tear up).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent; no significant regional variation in meaning. Spelling is the same. The name 'Dewey' is equally common in both contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes natural freshness, early morning, purity, and sometimes sentimental emotion (e.g., 'dewey-eyed').
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions, primarily found in literary or descriptive contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dewey” in a Sentence
[BE] + dewey (with) + [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dewey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The dewey lawn sparkled in the first light of dawn.
- She gave him a dewey, sentimental smile.
American English
- His boots were dewey from walking through the wet grass.
- The dewey petals felt cool to the touch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, except in literary studies or discussions of the Dewey Decimal Classification system (proper noun).
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation.
Technical
The 'Dewey Decimal System' is a technical term in library science.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dewey”
- Misspelling as 'dewie' or 'dewy' (the standard adjectival spelling is 'dewy'). 'Dewey' as an adjective is a less common variant.
- Using in inappropriate contexts (e.g., technical writing) where 'moist' or 'wet' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word primarily found in literary, poetic, or descriptive writing.
'Dewy' (without the 'e') is the standard spelling of the adjective meaning 'covered with dew'. 'Dewey' (with the 'e') is most commonly a proper name (e.g., Dewey Decimal System) but can be a variant spelling of the adjective.
Yes, in the fixed phrase 'dewey-eyed', which means appearing naively sentimental, innocent, or as if about to cry.
Yes. In British English, it's /ˈdjuːi/ (like 'dyoo-ee'). In American English, it's /ˈduːi/ (like 'doo-ee').
Covered in small drops of moisture (dew), appearing wet or glistening.
Dewey is usually literary, descriptive in register.
Dewey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdjuːi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduːi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dewey-eyed (naively sentimental or romantic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEWey is wet with DEW in the early morning.
Conceptual Metaphor
INNOCENCE/FRESHNESS IS MOISTURE (e.g., dewey-eyed youth).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dewey' MOST likely to be used?