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

Avoid insecticides, greasy oils, or petroleum jelly smeared near the feeder that can coat hummingbird feathers. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

Made with petroleum jelly, the thick emollient is masterful at locking in moisture, which helps build a protective barrier so her skin can heal. —Jihan Forbes, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025

The benefits and safety information in this article apply to all 100% petroleum jelly products, not just the specific brand Vaseline. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025

Eliminate caulk holes, crevices or cracks in foundations or walls by caulking openings or plugging them with petroleum jelly. —Barbara Robertson, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for petroleum jelly

• varicocele
• allele
• appellee
• ocelli
• belly
• deli
• felly
• kellie
• melly
• nellie
• nelly
• shelly

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

: petrolatum sense a