sorbitol

noun

sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl How to pronounce sorbitol (audio) -ˌtōl How to pronounce sorbitol (audio)
: a faintly sweet alcohol C6H14O6 that occurs in some fruits, is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant and softener and in making ascorbic acid

Examples of sorbitol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These exfoliating acids works alongside glycerin and sorbitol to remove excess oils and refine congested pores to keep breakouts at bay without drying the skin. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025 Pears are naturally high in fructose and sorbitol (a sugar alcohol). Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 Sugar Alcohols Sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol are low-calorie sweeteners that are sometimes used as sugar substitutes. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025 The specific sweeteners included in the study were aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose, according to the study's press release. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sorbitol

Word History

Etymology

sorb fruit of the service or related trees + -itol

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sorbitol was in 1895

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sorbitol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sorbitol. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

sorbitol

noun
sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl How to pronounce sorbitol (audio) -ˌtōl How to pronounce sorbitol (audio)
: a faintly sweet alcohol C6H14O6 that occurs especially in fruits of the mountain ash (genus Sorbus), is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant, a softener, and a sweetener and in making ascorbic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on sorbitol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!