zinc oxide

noun

: an infusible white solid ZnO used especially as a pigment, in compounding rubber, and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations (such as ointments and sunblocks)

Examples of zinc oxide 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.
Mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 Mineral zinc oxide, the active ingredient most dermatologists recommend, leaves a visible white cast on dark skin, which has historically driven Black consumers away from sunscreen entirely. — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Products containing zinc oxide, salicylates or fragrances should be avoided. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026 Both formulas feature zinc oxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to provide physical sun protection, reduce redness and calm the complexion, and hydrate the skin. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for zinc oxide

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zinc oxide was in 1849

Rhymes for zinc oxide

See All Rhymes for zinc oxide

Browse Nearby Words

zincous
zinc oxide
zinc silicate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zinc oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc%20oxide. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

zinc oxide

noun
: a white substance that is used as a white pigment, is added to rubber, and is used in medical and cosmetic preparations (as ointments and sunblocks)

Medical Definition

zinc oxide

noun
: a white solid ZnO used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations (as ointments and powders)

More from Merriam-Webster on zinc oxide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zinc oxide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of salvo

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

'Gaslighting,' 'Woke,' 'Democracy,' and Other Top Lookups
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All