ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: 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

The fly in the ointment was that the US Navy didn't have the ability to gather the underwater data needed to see how SUBROC was performing during tests. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 12 July 2024

Full-year guidance for continued struggles in this area was the fly in the ointment Friday, sending shares of Wells Fargo down nearly 6%. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 12 July 2024

These ointments can ease coughing, open nasal passages, and soothe a sore throat. —Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 11 June 2024

Bieber happens to agree and uses the ointment to stave off crusty, dry lips. —Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 28 June 2024

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

Phrases Containing ointment

• fly in the ointment

Kids Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a semisolid greasy medicine for use on the skin

Medical Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

specifically : a semisolid medicinal preparation usually having a base of fatty or greasy material