ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

Examples of ointment in a Sentence

You should put some ointment on that cut.

Recent Examples on the Web

When doctors smothered it in ointment, about 45 larvae crawled out. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026

Sherman said maggots are cheaper than a type of ointment commonly used to clean wounds, called an enzymatic debrider. — Mustafa Fattah, NBC news, 17 May 2026

For that reason, the multitasking ointment can usually be found in every medicine cabinet. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 May 2026

However, traditional treatments like ointments or injections usually fail, as fragile proteins break down too quickly or wash away from the injury site. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oynement, from Anglo-French uignement, oignement, ultimately from Latin unguentum, from unguere to anoint; akin to Old High German ancho butter, Sanskrit anakti he salves

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ointment

• fly in the ointment

Rhymes for ointment

• appointment
• disappointment
• reappointment

Kids Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a semisolid greasy medicine for use on the skin

Medical Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

specifically : a semisolid medicinal preparation usually having a base of fatty or greasy material