ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

1

: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing

2

: pure and refreshing air

relished the ozone of morning

ozonic

ō-ˈzō-nik  -ˈzä- 

adjective

Examples of ozone in a Sentence

Scientists are concerned about ozone depletion.

A light breeze filled the rooms of our seaside cottage with ozone.

Recent Examples on the Web

To support responsible manufacturing, the facility incorporates industry-leading eco-finishing systems, such as Jeanologia ozone technology, laser finishing, and high-efficiency industrial washers. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Though ozone high up in Earth’s stratosphere provides protection from ultraviolet radiation to people and other life on the planet, ground-level ozone is a toxic pollutant. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026

Year to date, Asia is the continent most impacted by ozone pollution globally, followed by Europe and North America, according to the report. — Dan Peck, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants that form fine particles and ground-level ozone, increasing risks of heart and lung disease and premature death. — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German Ozon, from Greek ozōn, present participle of ozein to smell — more at odor

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ozone

• ozone-friendly
• ozone hole
• ozone layer

Rhymes for ozone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

1

: a form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating sharp-smelling gas containing three atoms per molecule, and that is used especially in disinfecting, deodorizing, and bleaching

2

: pure and refreshing air

Medical Definition

ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is formed naturally in the atmosphere by a photochemical reaction and is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing

ozonic

ō-ˈzō-nik  -ˈzän-ik 

adjective