benzene

noun

ben·zene ˈben-ˌzēn ben-ˈzēn

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid

adjective or noun

Examples of benzene 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.

Vinyl chloride is a solvent that can get into children’s toys during the manufacturing process, Bennett explains, and, like benzene, is known to be cancerous. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026 Contaminants such as benzene, which can cause cancer, have been detected in plumbing and water systems after fires at concentrations capable of causing illness through drinking, bathing or showering. — Andrew J. Whelton, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026 Research has also shown that cooking with a gas stove in the kitchen can release as much benzene as second-hand cigarette smoke. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026 Last year, Lemont residents alleged the refinery was damaging air quality by releasing unsafe amounts of benzene into the air. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for benzene

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of benzene was in 1833

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

benzene

noun

ben·zene ˈben-ˌzēn

ben-ˈzēn

: a colorless flammable liquid that evaporates easily and is used to make or dissolve other chemicals or as a motor fuel

Medical Definition

benzene

noun

ben·zene ˈben-ˌzēn ben-ˈ

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

called also benzol

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid

adjective

benzene

noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Word History

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benzene

noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing benzene

Rhymes for benzene

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on benzene

More from Merriam-Webster

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oxymoron

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