: a cleansing agent: such as
a
: soap
b
: any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents
c
: an oil-soluble substance that holds insoluble foreign matter in suspension and is used in lubricating oils and dry-cleaning solvents
Examples of detergent in a Sentence
Noun
We have tried different laundry detergents.
add the detergent to the washing machine before putting in the clothes
Recent Examples on the Web
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
27 June 2026
Scientific studies have explored how detergent exposure may affect the skin barrier and microbiome, particularly in sensitive populations.
—
Zachary Reed,
Mercury News,
23 June 2026
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
According to Ornatov, expired dishwasher and laundry detergents can also clump up, separate, or dissolve differently.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for detergent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
And a laundry refresh can be achieved by adding a half-cup to your wash to boost detergent performance and brighten colors.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
27 June 2026
Scientific studies have explored how detergent exposure may affect the skin barrier and microbiome, particularly in sensitive populations.
—
Zachary Reed,
Mercury News,
23 June 2026
Noun
His only tattoo is the Kirkland Signature logo – the Costco house brand for everything from rotisserie chicken to laundry detergent.
—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
According to Ornatov, expired dishwasher and laundry detergents can also clump up, separate, or dissolve differently.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for detergent
Cite this Entry
“Detergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detergent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detergent
1 of 2 adjective
de·ter·gent
di-ˈtər-jənt 
: able to clean : used in cleansing
detergent oil for engines
detergent
2 of 2 noun
: a substance that cleanses
especially
: a chemical product that is like soap in its ability to cleanse
Medical Definition
detergent
1 of 2 adjective
de·ter·gent
di-ˈtər-jənt
: having a cleansing action
detergent
2 of 2 noun
: a cleansing agent: as
a
b
: any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
