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 majority of chicken in America is highly processed and cleaned in a chlorine bath. —The Editors, Robb Report, 20 June 2026

People tend to think of dry hair as a winter problem, but between summer sun, salt water, and chlorine, parched strands really don't take a season off. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 June 2026

Wash surfaces with warm, soapy water before sanitizing them with a solution mix of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach and one gallon of water. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 June 2026

During those few seconds, monitors also observed increased levels of bromine and chlorine, which are typically found at trace levels during structural fires, the agency said. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 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