bi·tu·men
bə-ˈtyü-mən 
bī-,
-ˈtü-
especially British also ˈbit-yə-
1
: an asphalt of Asia Minor used in ancient times as a cement and mortar
2
: any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons (such as tar) often together with their nonmetallic derivatives that occur naturally or are obtained as residues after heat-refining natural substances (such as petroleum)
specifically
: such a mixture soluble in carbon disulfide
bi·tu·mi·nize
bə-ˈt(y)ü-mə-ˌnīz
bī-
variants
or less commonly bitumenize
bə-ˈt(y)ü-mə-ˌnīz,
bī-
-ed/-ing/-s
: to prepare or treat with bitumen
Examples of bitumen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Weilun Soon Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
Previous research conducted by the scientists indicated that oil extracted from algae could be utilized to produce a bitumen-like material that remains flexible at cold temperatures.
—New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2025
What you’re left with now, even though your heart has been altered, is a quantity of tar, of bitumen, of the inkiest and stickiest stuff.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
The tapered part of the bone had remnants of bitumen, and ancient resin, that suggests the pointed piece was attached to a shaft, likely wood at one end, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bitumen
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Noun
Prior to Washington's intervention, Venezuela relied on dark fleet tankers to export its oil and most flows headed to China, a key market for bitumen-rich grades such as Merey.
—Weilun Soon Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
Previous research conducted by the scientists indicated that oil extracted from algae could be utilized to produce a bitumen-like material that remains flexible at cold temperatures.
—New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2025
What you’re left with now, even though your heart has been altered, is a quantity of tar, of bitumen, of the inkiest and stickiest stuff.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
The tapered part of the bone had remnants of bitumen, and ancient resin, that suggests the pointed piece was attached to a shaft, likely wood at one end, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bitumen
Cite this Entry
“Bitumen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bitumen. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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