depilatory
noun
de·pil·a·to·ry
di-ˈpi-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 
plural depilatories
: an agent for removing hair, wool, or bristles
specifically
: a device (such as a razor) or a cosmetic product (such as a cream or lotion) for removing hair from the surface of the skin
depilatory
adjective
depilatory products
a depilatory cream
Examples of depilatory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Not having access to good quality depilatories and shavers can also put you at a greater risk of developing itching from hair removal irritation, Dr. Medeiros adds.
—
Sarah Bradley, Women's Health, 6 Apr. 2023
Thousands of Amazon reviewers agree: this depilatory cream is one of the very best.
—Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, 20 May 2022
Thankfully, things have greatly improved since Berry's depilatory days.
—Jihan Forbes, Allure, 22 Apr. 2021
Before that, removing body hair was something both men and women did -- as far back as the Stone Age, then through ancient Egypt, Greece and the Roman Empire -- using seashells, beeswax and various other depilatories.
—Marianna Cerini, CNN, 3 Mar. 2020
Another good option for your arms: depilatory creams.
—Sam Escobar, Good Housekeeping, 17 July 2018
Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo, $24.99, comes with a pre-depilatory balm to help prevent irritation.
—Cristina Mueller, Redbook, 10 Jan. 2011
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Sarah Bradley, Women's Health, 6 Apr. 2023
Thousands of Amazon reviewers agree: this depilatory cream is one of the very best.
—Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, 20 May 2022
Thankfully, things have greatly improved since Berry's depilatory days.
—Jihan Forbes, Allure, 22 Apr. 2021
Before that, removing body hair was something both men and women did -- as far back as the Stone Age, then through ancient Egypt, Greece and the Roman Empire -- using seashells, beeswax and various other depilatories.
—Marianna Cerini, CNN, 3 Mar. 2020
Another good option for your arms: depilatory creams.
—Sam Escobar, Good Housekeeping, 17 July 2018
Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo, $24.99, comes with a pre-depilatory balm to help prevent irritation.
—Cristina Mueller, Redbook, 10 Jan. 2011
Cite this Entry
“Depilatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depilatory. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
depilatory
noun
de·pil·a·to·ry
di-ˈpil-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
plural depilatories
: a preparation for removing hair, wool, or bristles
Medical Definition
depilatory
1 of 2 adjective
de·pil·a·to·ry
di-ˈpil-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-
: having the power to remove hair
depilatory
2 of 2 noun
: a cosmetic for the temporary removal of undesired hair
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