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

Mild soaps and rubbing alcohol are sometimes used, but for best results, check the manufacturer’s care recommendations. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025

If the new battery isn’t making contact right away, a quick swipe with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab can help remove any residue and ensure a proper connection. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2025

Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol: This can be used to kill germs on almost any surface. —Joe Difazio, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025

The tattoos wear off eventually but can also be scrubbed off with rubbing alcohol. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 9 Apr. 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