ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

1

: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing

2

: pure and refreshing air

relished the ozone of morning

ozonic

ō-ˈzō-nik  -ˈzä- 

adjective

Examples of ozone in a Sentence

Scientists are concerned about ozone depletion.

A light breeze filled the rooms of our seaside cottage with ozone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Large plumes of smoke can encourage chemical reactions that alter ground-level ozone quality. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026

But the air quality was expected to worsen on July 20 from residual smoke, according to AirNow, with the possibility that ozone levels could also reach close to Code Orange levels as the city sees sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-80s. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Placing a room-sized air cleaner purifier in your child’s bedroom or playroom is a smart strategy (just make sure the purifier does not generate ozone). — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026

That’s because wildfire smoke contains gases like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which react in the sun and heat to create ground-level ozone. — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

German Ozon, from Greek ozōn, present participle of ozein to smell — more at odor

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ozone

• ozone-friendly
• ozone hole
• ozone layer

Rhymes for ozone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

1

: a form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating sharp-smelling gas containing three atoms per molecule, and that is used especially in disinfecting, deodorizing, and bleaching

2

: pure and refreshing air

Medical Definition

ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is formed naturally in the atmosphere by a photochemical reaction and is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing

ozonic

ō-ˈzō-nik  -ˈzän-ik 

adjective