benzene

noun

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

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Toxic chemicals, including benzene, hung in the air, flowed into ponds and streams and seeped into the groundwater. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 26 June 2025 The more stringent standards effectively limit emissions of other toxics, including benzene, lead and arsenic. Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 The ash coating destroyed and damaged homes contains volatile organic compounds that can include benzene, silica, asbestos, lead, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen fluoride. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025 Manufacturers use benzene to make industrial products like dyes, detergents, and some plastics, but benzene is not usually used to make drugs like acne products, the FDA says. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for benzene

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benzene was in 1833

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

benzene

noun
ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn How to pronounce benzene (audio)
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 How to pronounce benzene (audio) ben-ˈ How to pronounce benzene (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on benzene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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