methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈme-thə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH₃OH used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

Examples of methanol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 114-meter (374-feet) Cosmos that was launched at our shipyard in Rensburg recently is especially exciting because that owner has agreed to a test installation of a methanol fuel cell, which is a huge undertaking. —Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Products contaminated with methanol (also called wood alcohol) are very dangerous when applied to the skin or consumed. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025

The Future Hybrid System features a pre-chamber ignition and supports gasoline, E85 ethanol, M100 methanol, and synthetic fuels, with market introduction targeted for 2027. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

In Iran, at least 10 people died in 2023 after drinking homemade liquor spiked with methanol, AP previously reported. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methanol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a light flammable poisonous liquid alcohol that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and is used especially as antifreeze and to dissolve things

Medical Definition

methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: a light volatile pungent flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH₃OH formed in the destructive distillation of wood or made synthetically and used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

called also carbinol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol