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

Howard went to get a bandage, put antibacterial ointment on it, and covered her cut. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

Offering long-lasting moisture, this innovative ointment instantly relieves the chapped or cracked skin while delivering a soothing, healing effect to boost your skin’s moisture barrier overnight. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025

And Massie's not done being a fly in the ointment. —Brian Bennett, Time, 17 Nov. 2025

Like the items in your kitchen, medications (including creams, ointments, pain relievers, and more) all come with their own set of expiration dates. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 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