rubbing alcohol

noun

: a cooling and soothing liquid for external application that contains approximately 70 percent denatured ethanol or isopropanol

Examples of rubbing alcohol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Omar said the tabletop fireplace involved in the incident was from the brand Rozato, which is fueled by either rubbing alcohol or bioethanol, according to the outlet. —Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

To remove these stubborn spots before cleaning, dip a cloth into isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and dab it over the area to soften and remove buildup. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025

Improper use of rubbing alcohol is likely to create an unsafe situation. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025

Use a cotton ball damped with rubbing alcohol and rub over the area. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rubbing alcohol

• chloramphenicol
• dithiothreitol
• geospatial
• isopropanol
• meridional
• paracetamol
• peroxisomal
• visuospatial
• aerosol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol

Kids Definition

rubbing alcohol

noun

: a cooling and soothing solution for use on the outside of the body that contains an alcohol and water

Medical Definition

rubbing alcohol

noun

rub·​bing alcohol ˈrəb-iŋ-ˌ 

: a cooling and soothing liquid for external application that contains approximately 70 percent denatured ethanol or isopropyl alcohol