distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
1
a
: the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation
b
: a process like distillation
gradual distillation of the truth
also : an instance of such distilling
2
: something distilled : distillate sense 2

Examples of distillation 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.
Co-founder and seventh-generation perfumer Aurélien Guichard was inspired by the massive metal vats that create lavender oil at Provence distillation factories. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 Yet the news comes after another big AI player in China, Alibaba, banned employees from using a world-class AI, Anthropic’s Claude, to avoid any charges of distillation. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026 The gin is produced using the traditional discontinuous, indirect steam distillation method on a base of Italian grain alcohol, allowing each botanical to be infused gradually and with precision. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 For those not wanting or needing to shell out for the full boxed sets, there will be distillations available, in the form of two-LP and two-CD deluxe (as opposed to super deluxe) versions with a 16-track second disc of demos and sessions. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for distillation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of distillation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing distillation

Rhymes for distillation

See All Rhymes for distillation

Browse Nearby Words

distillate
distillation
distilled green
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distillation. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

distillation

noun
dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
: a process of heating a liquid or solid until it sends off a vapor and then cooling the vapor until it becomes liquid

Medical Definition

distillation

noun
dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
1
: a process that consists of driving gas or vapor from liquids or solids by heating and condensing to liquid products and that is used especially for purification, fractionation, or the formation of new substances
2
: something distilled

More from Merriam-Webster on distillation

Nglish: Translation of distillation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distillation

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