de·ter·gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt 
\
\Definition of detergent
(Entry 1 of 2)
: that cleanses : cleansing a detergent oil
detergent
nounDefinition 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: Adjective Last year, an ad for a detergent brand showing a Hindu child protecting a Muslim child during the festival of colors had elicited a boycott call too.
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Washington Post, "An Indian jewelry brand made a touching ad about an interfaith marriage. Outrage ensued.," 14 Oct. 2020 The washer-dryer makes realistic sounds and boasts quite a few features: detergent drawer, folding tabletop, storage baskets, and tumbling drum.
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Lindsey Hunter Lopez, USA TODAY, "The 27 best gifts and toys for 2-year-olds," 7 Oct. 2020 Laundry stripping isn't new by any means: Many people, including Good Housekeeping Institute's Cleaning Lab, have used this soaking method for years to remove detergent residue, fabric softener, minerals from hard water, and body oils from textiles.
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Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "What Is Laundry Stripping, and Does It Work? A Cleaning Expert Explains the Viral Soaking Method," 19 Aug. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Put a basket on the shelf above your washing machine and fill it with detergent and other cleaning items.
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Lia Picard, Southern Living, "Easy Ways to Get Organized in the New Year," 29 Dec. 2020 Rewash with dishwasher detergent to remove residual vinegar.
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Washington Post, "The dishwasher leaves my drinking glasses cloudy. What can I do?," 16 Nov. 2020 Mix some warm water with a little mild dish detergent and a cup of vinegar in a large bucket or another container.
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Lynn Coulter, Better Homes & Gardens, "Yes, You Can Reuse Your Potting Soil Instead of Tossing It at the End of the Season," 16 Oct. 2020 Use a top-loading washing machine and a mild detergent such as Ivory liquid or a special quilt soap such as Ensure, Mountain Mist or Orvus, available at quilt shops or at the merchant sale areas of quilt shows.
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oregonlive, "Caring for your quilt: Use it, don’t store it in cedar," 15 Oct. 2020 And Chinese detergent maker Blue Moon Group Holdings Ltd. is selling up to $1.3 billion of stock before its shares start trading on Dec. 16.
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Joanne Chiu, WSJ, "JD Health Makes Strong Debut in Hong Kong," 8 Dec. 2020 By combining a detergent pump with a ventilated sponge holder, OXO presents a tidier way to tidy up.
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Popular Science, "The 8 most helpful new home products of 2020," 3 Dec. 2020 Because really, with the exception of some fancy-schmancy and usually expensive stuff, the vast majority of hand soaps and lotions intended for sink-side usage look a hell of a lot like generic supermarket dish detergent.
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Marci Robin, Allure, "Meet Rume, The Home Edit's Aesthetically Appealing Personal-Care Line," 21 Oct. 2020 The maker of Charmin toilet paper and Tide detergent also raised its revenue growth outlook to a range of 4% to 5% for the fiscal year that ends in June 2021.
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Katrina Lewis, Bloomberg.com, "Makers of Fighter Jets, Soap Boost 2020 Guidance: Earnings Wrap," 20 Oct. 2020
See MoreThese 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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More Definitions for detergent
detergent
nounEnglish 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
nounde·ter·gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt \
\Kids Definition of detergent
: a substance that cleans
detergent
adjectivede·ter·gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt \
\Medical Definition of detergent
(Entry 1 of 2)
: having a cleansing action
detergent
nounMedical 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
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Time Traveler for detergent
The first known use of detergent was in 1616
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