ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt How to pronounce ointment (audio)
: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

Examples of ointment in a Sentence

You should put some ointment on that cut.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are detox cleanses and topical ointments, such as crushing the stone of a peach, mixing it with rose oil, and smearing it on one's forehead to relieve migraine pain. ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025 If the injury involves the eye, do not apply water or any ointments over it. Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Silicone gel is an ointment that is applied to the scar. Brendan Camp, Verywell Health, 25 June 2025 Crown Copyright The fly in the ointment is that the lower stall speed of an F-35 is 120 knots (138 mph, or 222 km/h). David Szondy may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ointment

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oynement, from Anglo-French uignement, oignement, ultimately from Latin unguentum, from unguere to anoint; akin to Old High German ancho butter, Sanskrit anakti he salves

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ointment was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ointment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ointment. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

ointment

noun
oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt How to pronounce ointment (audio)
: a semisolid greasy medicine for use on the skin

Medical Definition

ointment

noun
oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt How to pronounce ointment (audio)
: a salve or unguent for application to the skin
specifically : a semisolid medicinal preparation usually having a base of fatty or greasy material
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