hydrogen peroxide

noun

: an unstable compound H₂O₂ used especially as an oxidizing and bleaching agent, an antiseptic, and a propellant

Examples of hydrogen peroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The chemical compound can slowly break down when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, which in turn would create oxygen. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 1 July 2026

Household items like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can deeply sanitize cutting boards. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026

The National Park Service began pouring gallons of hydrogen peroxide to clear the algae. — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 26 June 2026

For a bleach alternative, hydrogen peroxide handles many household jobs. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydrogen peroxide

• aminoglycoside
• chlordiazepoxide
• dimethylformamide
• oligosaccharide
• paraformaldehyde
• polynucleotide
• ribonucleotide
• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride

Kids Definition

hydrogen peroxide

noun

: an unstable liquid compound containing hydrogen and oxygen and used especially for bleaching and as an antiseptic

Medical Definition

hydrogen peroxide

noun

: an unstable compound H₂O₂ used especially as an oxidizing and bleaching agent and as an antiseptic