detergent

1 of 2

adjective

de·​ter·​gent di-ˈtər-jənt 

: that cleanses : cleansing

a detergent oil

detergent

2 of 2

noun

: 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

Synonyms of detergent

Noun

• soap

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

This buildup can be avoided by using less detergent or fabric softener. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 12 July 2026

And a laundry refresh can be achieved by adding a half-cup to your wash to boost detergent performance and brighten colors. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026

Noun

Participants in the first study saw an ad for laundry detergent sheets; the second, an eco-friendly phone case; and the third, a reusable water bottle. — Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Unlike soap or detergent—which authorities like the CDC and FDA advise against using—baking soda is food-safe and won’t leave a chemical taste behind. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1616, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1676, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing detergent

• dish detergent
• dishwashing detergent

Rhymes for detergent

• convergent
• divergent
• emergent
• insurgent
• resurgent
• urgent

Kids Definition

detergent

1 of 2 adjective

de·​ter·​gent di-ˈtər-jənt 

: able to clean : used in cleansing

detergent oil for engines

detergent

2 of 2 noun

: a substance that cleanses

especially : a chemical product that is like soap in its ability to cleanse

Medical Definition

detergent

1 of 2 adjective

de·​ter·​gent di-ˈtər-jənt 

: having a cleansing action

detergent

2 of 2 noun

: 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