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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
There’s one fly in this ointment of market serenity: Mr. Trump’s tariff proposals. Laurent Belsie, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct. 2024 Breast pumps and lactation supplies, such as pump accessories, nursing pads, milk storage bags and nipple cream/ointments. Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 Lotions, ointments, and creams all trap moisture in your skin. Rena Goldman, Health, 30 Sep. 2024 This form is available as an oral supplement, topical ointments, and injectable formulas. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near ointment

Cite this Entry

“Ointment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ointment. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!