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

How to make your own deicing solution To make your own de-icing tool, AAA says to mix one part isopropyl, or rubbing alcohol, and two parts water in a spray bottle. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Jan. 2026

For ink and permanent marker stains, blot with a solvent like rubbing alcohol or acetone first. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026

Spot treating with a cotton swap dipped in rubbing alcohol is an easy way to remove pests from African violets. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026

After sharpening, wipe pruners and loppers with 70% rubbing alcohol to sterilize them. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2026

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