distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən 

1

a

: the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation

b

: a process like distillation

gradual distillation of the truth

also : an instance of such distilling

2

: something distilled : distillate sense 2

Examples of distillation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wilderton’s main lineup consisted of two NA spirits that were produced at the Hood River distillery which opened in 2023—Bittersweet and Citrus, both made using four different extraction techniques, including distillation, from a variety of different botanicals. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2026

Missing Thorn, co-crafted by Aaron Pott and Stephanie Honig, uses the same meticulous process Pott employs for his award-winning Napa Valley wines, then applies an innovative gentle distillation technique to remove alcohol while preserving 100% of the natural aromas and flavors. —Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

In fact, the word alcohol derives from early distillation methods from the Arabic al-kuhul, a word for an ancient Egyptian dark eyeliner that was made using an early distillation technology in Alexandria. —Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026

His latest show, HBO’s The Chair Company, is the clearest distillation yet of what makes Robinson so compelling as a performer. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing distillation

• destructive distillation

Rhymes for distillation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən 

: a process of heating a liquid or solid until it sends off a vapor and then cooling the vapor until it becomes liquid

Medical Definition

distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: a process that consists of driving gas or vapor from liquids or solids by heating and condensing to liquid products and that is used especially for purification, fractionation, or the formation of new substances

2

: something distilled