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 The dish detergent decreases while combining water and rubbing alcohol, leaving a streak-free shine. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024 Ink Stains Dampen a cotton ball or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024 Use a sharp pair of pruners to make clean cuts, and disinfect the blades with rubbing alcohol between plants to avoid spreading any plant diseases. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2024 Make sure to clean your pruners with a disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol between plants to avoid spreading existing issues. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rubbing alcohol 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rubbing alcohol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rubbing alcohol was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near rubbing alcohol

Cite this Entry

“Rubbing alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubbing%20alcohol. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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 How to pronounce rubbing alcohol (audio)
: a cooling and soothing liquid for external application that contains approximately 70 percent denatured ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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