cotton ball
noun
US
: a small ball of cotton that can be used for a variety of purposes (such as removing makeup or cleaning a wound) and that is usually used once and then thrown away
a bag of cotton balls
Examples of cotton ball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hairstylist and owner of Salon PK Pekela Riley suggests dipping a Q-tip or cotton ball into an apple cider vinegar rinse, then lightly dabbing it on affected areas to dissolve buildup and soothe the itchies.
—
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025
Use a cotton ball to dab the mixture onto your age spots.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Help your child learn with fun nose blowing games like cotton ball races and underwater bubbles.
—Aleksandra Weber, Parents, 12 June 2025
Nail polish remover: Use a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton ball to erase scuffs.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to wipe the blades of the pruners to remove bacteria that can spread disease between plants.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
To blot the ink stain, use a dampened cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, then rinse the spot with cold water.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024
Studies have found that two drops poured onto a cotton ball and inhaled for 20 minutes appeared to be safe and well-tolerated.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 5 Aug. 2024
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Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025
Use a cotton ball to dab the mixture onto your age spots.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Help your child learn with fun nose blowing games like cotton ball races and underwater bubbles.
—Aleksandra Weber, Parents, 12 June 2025
Nail polish remover: Use a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton ball to erase scuffs.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to wipe the blades of the pruners to remove bacteria that can spread disease between plants.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
To blot the ink stain, use a dampened cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, then rinse the spot with cold water.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024
Studies have found that two drops poured onto a cotton ball and inhaled for 20 minutes appeared to be safe and well-tolerated.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 5 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Cotton ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cotton%20ball. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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