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

Along with paying the fines, the GEO Group agreed to draft plans for avoiding aerosol transmissions at 12 secure and reentry facilities in California, including five detention centers that hold immigrants. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

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

Items including coolers, folding chairs, frisbees, balls, metal drink containers and aerosol cans — including spray sunscreen — are prohibited. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 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