rosin

1 of 2

noun

ros·​in ˈrä-zᵊn 

ˈrȯ-,

 dialectal  ˈrȯ-zəm

: a translucent amber-colored to almost black brittle friable resin that is obtained from the oleoresin or deadwood of pine trees or from tall oil and used especially in making varnish

rosin

2 of 2

verb

rosined; rosining ˈräz-niŋ 

ˈrȯz-;

ˈrä-zᵊn-iŋ,

ˈrȯ-

transitive verb

: to rub or treat (something, such as the bow of a violin) with rosin

Examples of rosin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The manufacturer also offers a year warranty for defective products, and the purchase comes with a free bow, rosin cake and a carrying case with straps. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025

These limited edition pods contain 100% live rosin – a solventless extract. —Emily Earlenbaugh, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Verb

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will rosin its bows with hard rock in a performance of Def Leppard music on July 6. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 7 May 2023

Roll out the red carpet, rosin up the bows and shine the trophies. —Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 5 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French reisine, rosine resin

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rosin

1 of 2 noun

ros·​in ˈräz-ᵊn 

ˈrȯz-

: an amber-colored to almost black brittle resin obtained especially from pine trees and used especially in making varnish and on violin bows

rosin

2 of 2 verb

: to rub (as the bow of a violin) with rosin

Medical Definition

rosin

noun

ros·​in ˈräz-ᵊn  ˈrȯz- 

: a translucent amber-colored to almost black brittle friable resin that is obtained from the oleoresin or deadwood of pine trees or from tall oil and is used in pharmacology as an adhesive constituent in plasters, cerates, and ointments

called also colophony