methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈme-thə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH₃OH used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

Examples of methanol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Aquastroke engine runs on a combination of 70% plain water and 30% bio-alcohol (either ethanol or methanol). —Jim Vinoski, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

In Iran, at least 10 people died in 2023 after drinking homemade liquor spiked with methanol, AP previously reported. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025

When someone drinks methanol, it’s converted into formaldehyde in the body. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Cosmos can also cruise the seas emissions-free, thanks to two 500 kW methanol fuel cells. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methanol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a light flammable poisonous liquid alcohol that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and is used especially as antifreeze and to dissolve things

Medical Definition

methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: a light volatile pungent flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH₃OH formed in the destructive distillation of wood or made synthetically and used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

called also carbinol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol