1
: a compound of chlorine with another element or group
especially : a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid
2
: a monovalent anion consisting of one atom of chlorine

Examples of chloride 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.
The team used molecular simulations to examine how lithium and chloride ions behaved in different electrolytes. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026 The ones humans rely on are sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026 Your body relies on seven of them, including sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026 Endurance athletes and heavy sweaters should prioritize sodium and chloride, while carbohydrates can provide additional fuel during prolonged exercise. — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chloride

Word History

Etymology

German Chlorid, from chlor- + -id -ide

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chloride was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chloride.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chloride. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

chloride

noun
: a chemical compound of chlorine with another element, group, or substance

Medical Definition

1
: a compound of chlorine with another element or radical
especially : a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid

called also muriate

2
: a monovalent anion consisting at one atom of chlorine

More from Merriam-Webster on chloride

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster