detergent

adjective

de·ter·gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt

Definition of detergent

(Entry 1 of 2)

: that cleanses : cleansing a detergent oil

detergent

noun

Definition of detergent (Entry 2 of 2)

: a cleansing agent: such as

a : soap

b : any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents

c : an oil-soluble substance that holds insoluble foreign matter in suspension and is used in lubricating oils and dry-cleaning solvents

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Examples of detergent in a Sentence

Noun

We have tried different laundry detergents. add the detergent to the washing machine before putting in the clothes

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The meme was inspired by the Tide Pod Challenge, where people attempt to eat Tide detergent packs. — Morgan Hughes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Living in the moment: Milwaukee businesses tap internet memes, pop culture in marketing," 14 Feb. 2018 Recently, videos have circulated on social media showing teens deliberately eating Tide Pods laundry detergent packs. — Harold I. Zeliger, Fortune, "Commentary: It’s Time to Ban Tide Pods for Good," 25 Jan. 2018 The challenge, where kids film themselves taking a bite out of the detergent packs and post it to social media, has taken the internet and poison control centers across the nation by storm. — Thomas Novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky Poison Control says Tide Pod Challenge and memes are 'nothing to laugh about'," 21 Jan. 2018 Wipe clean with a soft wet rag to remove any remaining detergent, and let air dry. — Isadora Baum, SELF, "Here’s How to Clean Sneakers Depending on the Material," 17 Feb. 2019 Use a gentle detergent that does not contain bleach. — Elle Decor Editors, ELLE Decor, "Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Tabletop Accessories," 11 Feb. 2019 Considering toothpaste is essentially just a mix of alcohol, mint, fluoride, and detergents—i.e. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "Does Toothpaste Make Your Boobs Bigger? An Investigation," 1 Aug. 2018 The directions for care are simple—just throw them in the washing machine with warm water and detergent, avoiding bleach or fabric softeners. — Sarah Wu, Glamour, "This $30 Aquis Towel Completely Saved My Hair Color," 10 Dec. 2018 Our laundry pacs are a highly concentrated detergent meant to clean clothes, and they're used safely in millions of households every day. — Madeleine Marr, miamiherald, "Teens’ latest fad? Eating laundry pods. The results aren’t clean — or safe.," 10 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'detergent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Time Traveler for detergent

The first known use of detergent was in 1616

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More Definitions for detergent

detergent

noun

English Language Learners Definition of detergent

: a powder or liquid that is used to clean clothes, dishes, etc. : a chemical substance that is like soap

See the full definition for detergent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

detergent

noun

de·ter·gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt

Kids Definition of detergent

: a substance that cleans

detergent

adjective

de·ter·gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt

Medical Definition of detergent

(Entry 1 of 2)

: having a cleansing action

detergent

noun

Medical Definition of detergent (Entry 2 of 2)

: a cleansing agent: as

a : soap sense 1

b : any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents