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

Use sharp pruners and sterilize the blades after every cut with some rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of the pests. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026

Baking soda whitens fabrics, while rubbing alcohol and vodka remove specific stains; avoid mixing acids, bleach, or flammable substances. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026

Shaw suggests using rubbing alcohol mixed with water to reduce grease, along with lint-free cloths. —Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026

Once the tick is removed, wash the area of the bite with an antiseptic or rubbing alcohol. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026

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