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

Clean out the bite with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to avoid infection, Vogel said. —Julia Ries, Health, 25 June 2025

Dampen a small portion of your microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and apply directly to the stain by dabbing, being careful not to rub or scrub. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 June 2025

Then, clean the affected area with rubbing alcohol, and wash your hands with soap and water or sanitizer. —Angela Haupt, Time, 30 May 2025

Mix a cup of water, a cup of rubbing alcohol, and one tablespoon vinegar in a spray bottle. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 24 May 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