dental floss

noun

: a thread used to clean between the teeth

Examples of dental floss 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.
From the mid-20th century to today, PFAS was used in a host of industrial and consumer products, from firefighting foam to nonstick, Teflon pots and pans; Gore-Tex waterproof clothing; ScotchGard stain and water protectants, and even sandwich wrappers, microwave popcorn bags and dental floss. Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Most dental floss is plastic, too—alternatives, such as silk floss, are mostly a health-food-store find. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025 When further unwound, the thin nylon strands apparently make excellent fishing line, sewing thread—even dental floss. Jeremy White, Wired News, 25 Aug. 2025 String dental floss, or dental tape, consists of a thin, smooth string of nylon or another synthetic fiber to clean between teeth. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dental floss

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dental floss was in 1910

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dental floss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dental%20floss. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

dental floss

noun
: a thread used to clean between the teeth

Medical Definition

dental floss

noun
: a thread used to clean between the teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on dental floss

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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