ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

Examples of ointment in a Sentence

You should put some ointment on that cut.

Recent Examples on the Web

The chronic condition can cause irritation but flare-ups can be managed through diet, as well as ointments or creams. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2025

Patients will also be able to pay as low as $162 – an 80% reduction to the current price – for prescription ointment Eucrisa, which is used to treat mild-to-moderate eczema. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025

A lot of pharmaceutical companies have created nonsteroidal options over the years, but these tend to be ointments and pretty greasy ones at that. —Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

There’s a fly in Powell’s ointment, however. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oynement, from Anglo-French uignement, oignement, ultimately from Latin unguentum, from unguere to anoint; akin to Old High German ancho butter, Sanskrit anakti he salves

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ointment

• fly in the ointment

Rhymes for ointment

• appointment
• disappointment
• reappointment

Kids Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a semisolid greasy medicine for use on the skin

Medical Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

specifically : a semisolid medicinal preparation usually having a base of fatty or greasy material