petroleum jelly

noun

: a neutral unctuous odorless tasteless substance obtained from petroleum and used especially in ointments and dressings

Examples of petroleum jelly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Mayo Clinic also recommends putting a little bit of petroleum jelly inside your nostrils in the colder months. Beth Krietsch, SELF, 15 Nov. 2023 For those wondering, Bajos’ nanny gets set straight about the differences between gasoline and petroleum jelly. WIRED, 1 Nov. 2023 The thick formula includes petrolatum (petroleum jelly) and sorbitol—to draw and seal moisture into your skin. Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 28 Aug. 2023 Apply petroleum jelly to the probe of the thermometer. Leah Groth, Health, 20 Sep. 2023 Then the specialist will prep the area, cleaning the brows and applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around them to prevent any accidental skin staining. Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Sep. 2023 Other ingredients that help soothe irritation and heal flare-ups include aloe vera, manuka honey, thermal spring water, and petroleum jelly. Theresa Holland, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2023 Staff will also provide you with petroleum jelly to cover minor scrapes, cuts and bruises to prevent discomfort from the salt water. Parker Diakite, Essence, 5 July 2023 Due to the thick flaking of skin, your dermatologist will usually recommend moisturizers, such as pure Vaseline petroleum jelly or a similar thick moisturizer. Women's Health, 10 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petroleum jelly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petroleum jelly was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near petroleum jelly

Cite this Entry

“Petroleum jelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum%20jelly. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

petroleum jelly

noun
: a tasteless, odorless, and oily or greasy substance from petroleum that is used especially in ointments and dressings

Medical Definition

petroleum jelly

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on petroleum jelly

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