sulfite

noun

sul·​fite ˈsəl-ˌfīt How to pronounce sulfite (audio)
: a salt or ester of sulfurous acid
sulfitic adjective

Examples of sulfite 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.
Several methods can stress yeast, including high sugar concentrations in the must (mosto in Tequila), high fermentation temperatures, low nitrate levels, low oxygen availability, and the presence of sulfites in the must. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 14 Jan. 2026 These included sulfites, potassium sorbate, potassium nitrate, acetates, acetic acid, and sodium erythorbate. Jamie Ducharme, Health, 9 Jan. 2026 If the ketchup contains sulfites, using it may actually make the tarnish worse. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025 However, when those sulfites are part of real wine, which also contains healthy plant compounds called polyphenols, the effect is much smaller. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sulfite

Word History

Etymology

French sulfite, alteration of sulfate

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulfite was in 1788

Cite this Entry

“Sulfite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfite. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

Medical Definition

sulfite

noun
sul·​fite
variants or chiefly British sulphite
: a salt or ester of sulfurous acid

More from Merriam-Webster on sulfite

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