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 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
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.
Higher temperatures also increase preterm birth by increasing levels of the harmful air pollutant called ground-level ozone. Sheetal Khedkar Rao, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 There's also been a 70 percent reduction in key pollutants like carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 Effects of moderate ground-level ozone can be chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion, according to Metroplan. Harley Walls, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025 However, even before xAI's construction began, Shelby County was already in violation of the eight-hour ozone standard that protects public health, which means that xAI may need to implement additional controls. ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ozone

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ozone was in 1840

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ozone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ozone. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

ozone

noun
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
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ozone

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