rubbing alcohol

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Try gently blotting the stain with a makeup remover wipe or rubbing alcohol. —Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023

For resistant marks, dab with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, then wipe away with an absorbent cloth. —Taryn Mohrman, Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023

There are many organic or natural remedies for mealy bugs and spider mites, including neem oil and pyrethrin, and one of the most effective ways to get rid of scale is to simply wipe your plants with a cotton ball or Q-tip full of rubbing alcohol, and then rub them off. —Dean Kuipers, Outside Online, 15 Apr. 2022

This trick also works on carpets: Mix kosher salt and rubbing alcohol together and blot the mixture into a grease stain to help lift it away. —CNN, 11 Apr. 2023

After cleaning, consider wiping the counter down with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. —Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2023

To remove scuff marks, use a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol or baking soda, then rinse off. —Taryn Mohrman, Good Housekeeping, 13 Mar. 2023

Push back your cuticles and wipe each nail with cotton soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any oily residue. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2023

To clean, spray your roller head with rubbing alcohol after each use and store upright with needles freestanding. —Shannon M. Bauer, Health, 16 Mar. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

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