aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈer-ə-ˌsäl  -ˌsȯl 

1

: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas

Smoke, fog, and mist are aerosols.

airborne aerosol transmission of infective viral particles

also, aerosols plural : the fine particles of an aerosol

stratospheric aerosols

2

: a substance (such as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

also : the container for this

Examples of aerosol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Avoid using candles, gas, propane, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces or aerosol sprays. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026

Curtains in the kitchen and bathroom should be washed monthly to remove splattering from grease, food, and aerosol products. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 1 July 2026

Disinfecting these systems can reduce growth of Legionella, while new designs can reduce the spread of aerosols. — Robert Promisloff, The Conversation, 19 June 2026

Freedom 250 says blankets are allowed, but lawn chairs, coolers, drink tumblers and aerosol sunscreen are prohibited. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

aero- + -sol (in hydrosol)

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aerosol

• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol
• guaiacol

Kids Definition

aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈar-ə-ˌsäl  ˈer- 

-ˌsȯl

: a mixture of fine solid or liquid particles and gas

smoke and fog are aerosols

Medical Definition

aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈar-ə-ˌsäl  ˈer- 

-ˌsȯl

1

: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas

smoke, fog, and mist are aerosols

2

: a substance (as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

also : the container for this