benzene

noun

ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn  ben-ˈzēn 

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid 

adjective or noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And when methane leaks from oil and gas operations, toxic air pollutants such as benzene are released along with it, which has been linked to various forms of cancer. — Elizabeth Bechard, Time, 6 Nov. 2026

Gas stoves, which 47 million Americans use, release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide that’s been linked to asthma and cancer-causing benzene. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Groundwater tests taken near the purge sites showed evidence of oil field wastewater pollution, including high levels of salt, bromide and the carcinogen benzene, which exceeded the EPA drinking water standard by five times. — Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 27 Oct. 2026

The families of 11 deceased workers alleged that exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust, benzene and other hazardous substances contributed to their deaths. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing benzene

• benzene hexachloride
• benzene ring

Rhymes for benzene

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• between
• bromine
• butene

Kids 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

benzene

noun

ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn  ben-ˈ 

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

called also benzol

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid 

adjective