fatten

verb

fat·​ten ˈfa-tᵊn How to pronounce fatten (audio)
fattened; fattening fa-tə-niŋ How to pronounce fatten (audio)
ˈfat-niŋˈ
Synonyms of fattennext

transitive verb

1
a
: to make fat, fleshy, or plump
especially : to feed (an animal) for slaughter
b
: to make more substantial
2
: to make fertile

intransitive verb

: to become fat
fattener
ˈfa-tə-nər How to pronounce fatten (audio)
ˈfat-nər
noun

Examples of fatten in a Sentence

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 organization wants mandatory audits throughout production, including parent farms, fattening farms and slaughterhouses. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 Like a hyperphagic grizzly fattening himself up before a long winter’s hibernation, baseball fans should be gorging themselves on this World Series. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Tech executives spurring rage to fatten balance sheets pay no price for this. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Don’t stress about your pile of fall reading; fatten it up, baby, and pick up one of this month’s new releases. — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fatten

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fatten was circa 1552

Rhymes for fatten

See All Rhymes for fatten

Browse Nearby Words

fat-tailed sheep
fatten
fattener
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fatten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatten. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fatten

verb
fat·​ten ˈfat-ᵊn How to pronounce fatten (audio)
fattened; fattening ˈfat-niŋ How to pronounce fatten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become fat
fattener
-(ə-)nər How to pronounce fatten (audio)
noun

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