oxygenate

1 of 2

verb

ox·​y·​gen·​ate ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnāt How to pronounce oxygenate (audio) äk-ˈsi-jə- How to pronounce oxygenate (audio)
oxygenated; oxygenating

transitive verb

: to impregnate, combine, or supply (something, such as blood) with oxygen
oxygenation
ˌäk-si-jə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce oxygenate (audio)
äk-ˌsi-jə-
noun

oxygenate

2 of 2

noun

: an oxygen-containing substance (such as ethanol) used especially in gasoline to promote more complete combustion

Examples of oxygenate 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.
Verb
In order to oxygenate themselves, these massive systems inhale huge volumes of fresh air from the surrounding area, much as a hurricane does, and with similar effects on windspeed. — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026 Work up the soil around the plant with a garden fork to oxygenate and improve drainage. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Noun
Gasoline futures are known as RBOB, or reformulated blendstock for oxygenate blending. — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 The scientists were inspired by a previous study, in which particles of recycled bottle glass were shown to help oxygenate plants' roots while maintaining optimal moisture levels. — Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oxygenate

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1788, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxygenate was in 1788

Rhymes for oxygenate

See All Rhymes for oxygenate

Browse Nearby Words

oxygen-acetylene welding
oxygenate
oxygenated water
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oxygenate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxygenate. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oxygenate

verb
ox·​y·​gen·​ate
ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnāt, 
äk-ˈsij-ə-
oxygenated; oxygenating
: to combine or supply with oxygen
oxygenation
ˌäk-si-jə-ˈnā-shən, 
äk-ˌsij-ə-
noun

Medical Definition

oxygenate

transitive verb
ox·​y·​gen·​ate ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnāt How to pronounce oxygenate (audio) äk-ˈsij-ə- How to pronounce oxygenate (audio)
oxygenated; oxygenating
: to impregnate, combine, or supply with oxygen
oxygenated blood
better to oxygenate the patient first—Anesthesia Digest
oxygenation
ˌäk-si-jə-ˈnā-shən, äk-ˌsij-ə- How to pronounce oxygenate (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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