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
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.
Natural treatments include pruning affected areas, spraying with water, applying rubbing alcohol, or using horticultural oils. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026 Put the tick in a small container with rubbing alcohol to kill it. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Wash pruners or scissors with soap and water, then spray or wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol to disinfect them. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean around the axle, if needed. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rubbing alcohol

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for rubbing alcohol

See All Rhymes for rubbing alcohol

Browse Nearby Words

rubbing
rubbing alcohol
rubbing block
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Cite this Entry

“Rubbing alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubbing%20alcohol. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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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