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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rubbing alcohol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rubbing alcohol was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near rubbing alcohol

Cite this Entry

“Rubbing alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubbing%20alcohol. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

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 How to pronounce rubbing alcohol (audio)
: a cooling and soothing liquid for external application that contains approximately 70 percent denatured ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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