chlorine

noun

chlo·rine ˈklȯr-ˌēn

-ən

: a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish-yellow diatomic gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of chlorine 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.

Elevated levels of QACs and chlorine bleach can be toxic to algae, fish and small water organisms as well as fruit and vegetable plants. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 Summer, though, can be a foe of glass hair hopefuls—the combination of sun, salt, chlorine, and humidity all contribute to hair becoming drier and frizzier, a concoction for dull, lackluster lengths. — Selvaggia Germani, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026 At the activity pool, inspectors found no chlorine in the pool water, a high pH level and insufficient water flow. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026 Still, these wearable artworks are crafted to withstand sun, salt, chlorine, and all the other elements a memorable summer might splash on them. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chlorine

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of chlorine was in 1810

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Chlorine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorine. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chlorine

noun

chlo·rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn

ˈklȯ(ə)r-,

-ən

: a nonmetallic element that is found alone as a heavy greenish yellow irritating gas having two atoms per molecule and a strong odor and that is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification see element

Medical Definition

chlorine

noun

chlo·rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn, ˈklȯ(ə)r-, -ən

: a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish yellow gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification

—symbol Cl see Chemical Elements Table

chlorine

noun

Examples of chlorine in a Sentence

Word History

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chlorine

noun

Examples of chlorine in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing chlorine

Rhymes for chlorine

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on chlorine

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