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

Toxic chemicals, including benzene, hung in the air, flowed into ponds and streams, and seeped into groundwater. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 23 Dec. 2025

Multiple studies have shown that burning methane gas produces nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene that can worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma and increase the risk of cancer. —Alan K. Chen, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025

In the case of Hurricane Harvey, for example, petrochemical companies smothered Texas communities with thousands of extra tons of benzene, sulfur dioxide, and other harmful pollutants. —Cynthia Palmer, Time, 9 Dec. 2025

Some compounds in wildfire smoke are confirmed carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde. —Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Nov. 2025

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
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• between
• bromine

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