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

For a deeper-cleaning solution, fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water; housekeeping and organization expert Amanda Thomas, founder of Moxie Girl, says the spray cleaner gives granite surfaces a nice shine. —Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025

When using rubbing alcohol or dry-cleaning solution, make sure there’s proper ventilation and wear gloves to protect your hands. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2025

Omar said the tabletop fireplace involved in the incident was from the brand Rozato, which is fueled by either rubbing alcohol or bioethanol, according to the outlet. —Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

According to Eason, rubbing alcohol dissolves the bug's exoskeleton, dehydrating it from the inside, killing it within about 30 seconds. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 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