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

Wash the skin and use antibiotic ointment if there are wounds or skin breaks. —Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025

Generally, though, most people recover fine at home with Epsom salt soaks, a daily bandage change, and applying antibiotic ointment. —Angela Haupt, Time, 22 May 2025

But the American product comes out of China, and sells more than $30 million worth of the ointment in the U.S annually. —Claire Wang, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2025

Use waterproof barriers, such as special ointments or creams, to protect the skin from direct contact with water. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 May 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