: 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 chemicals found included lead, benzene, and methylene chloride, each linked to serious long-term health consequences including cancer and reproductive harm.
—
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 May 2026
But monitoring for leaks has proved effective in other industries; fence-line emissions of benzene, a carcinogen, fell 30% at petroleum refineries after implementation of a similar monitoring program, according to the EPA.
—Mark Olalde, ProPublica, 8 May 2026
Environmental concerns near the initial school site, particularly regarding benzene vapor, have delayed the nearby Toll Brothers development, a 1,424-lot residential subdivision in Folsom Ranch, by more than a year, according to the school district.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
Six petrochemicals — ethylene, propylene, butylene, benzene, toluene and xylenes — are the major foundations of plastics and synthetic materials like nylon and polyesters, which manufacturers in turn use to design and deliver products.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
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.
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 May 2026
But monitoring for leaks has proved effective in other industries; fence-line emissions of benzene, a carcinogen, fell 30% at petroleum refineries after implementation of a similar monitoring program, according to the EPA.
—Mark Olalde, ProPublica, 8 May 2026
Environmental concerns near the initial school site, particularly regarding benzene vapor, have delayed the nearby Toll Brothers development, a 1,424-lot residential subdivision in Folsom Ranch, by more than a year, according to the school district.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
Six petrochemicals — ethylene, propylene, butylene, benzene, toluene and xylenes — are the major foundations of plastics and synthetic materials like nylon and polyesters, which manufacturers in turn use to design and deliver products.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benzene
Cite this Entry
“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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
