chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklȯr-ˌēn 

-ən

: a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish-yellow diatomic gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of chlorine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The proprietary filtration system is specifically engineered to remove impurities, chlorine, harmful chemicals and heavy metals from your water. —ABC News, 13 June 2026

The Best Way To Dry A Swimsuit After washing out sunscreen, salt, chlorine, and body soil from your swimsuit (handwashing is best), rinse it thoroughly in cool water. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

The ship will be disinfected using chlorine and peroxide over the next week and crew members, most of which are from the Philippines, will enter immediate quarantine. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

All your Dad has to do is fill it and drink—the microfilter membrane will do the rest by removing chlorine odors, dirt, bacteria, and any other grossness floating around in there. —Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chlorine

• chlorine dioxide
• chlorine monoxide

Rhymes for chlorine

• taurine
• organochlorine

Kids Definition

chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn 

ˈklȯ(ə)r-, 

-ən

: a nonmetallic element that is found alone as a heavy greenish yellow irritating gas having two atoms per molecule and a strong odor and that is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification see element

Medical Definition

chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn, ˈklȯ(ə)r-, -ən 

: a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish yellow gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification

—symbol Cl see Chemical Elements Table