: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
Examples of benzene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The inferno devoured home after home, unleashing what experts estimate to be tons of dangerous metals and compounds, from lead to asbestos to the carcinogen benzene.
—
Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
In high enough doses, benzene can break the body’s ability to create red blood cells, raising the risk of developing conditions akin to leukemia.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 17 Mar. 2025
Products being recalled for benzene contamination is nothing new.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Some VOCs, such as dioxins, benzene, formaldehyde and PAHs, can be toxic to humans.
—Colleen E. Reid, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benzene
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
In high enough doses, benzene can break the body’s ability to create red blood cells, raising the risk of developing conditions akin to leukemia.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 17 Mar. 2025
Products being recalled for benzene contamination is nothing new.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Some VOCs, such as dioxins, benzene, formaldehyde and PAHs, can be toxic to humans.
—Colleen E. Reid, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benzene
Cite this Entry
“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
benzene
noun
ben·zene
ˈben-ˌzēn 
ben-ˈzēn
: a colorless flammable liquid that evaporates easily and is used to make or dissolve other chemicals or as a motor fuel
Medical Definition
: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
called also benzol
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share