: a ring (as of synthetic rubber) used as a gasket

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Rubber O-rings that separated sections of the shuttle’s solid-rocket boosters contracted in cold weather and malfunctioned, causing a nightmarish explosion moments after launch. Matthew Beddingfield, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2023 The strapless top features a cut-out O-ring center that ties in the front for added detail with a solid band that wraps around the back, and the high-waisted bottoms boast a cheeky cut with adjustable tie strings on the side. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2023 Boeing advised airlines in November about the issue, which has been traced to an O-ring seal and described as a slow leak — about 8 ounces of water per hour. CBS News, 7 Apr. 2023 Because its dust control is so good (owing to a rubber O-ring seal on the dust port, good airflow, and an airtight dust canister), less dust stays on the surface to get ground into the abrasive pad. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 27 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'O-ring.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of O-ring was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near O-ring

Cite this Entry

“O-ring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/O-ring. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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