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.
For earbuds, Ek said to use a disinfectant wipe or a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025 If your hostas show signs of disease, make sure to discard those leaves instead of composting them and clean your pruners well with rubbing alcohol. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025 Clean them between each plant using rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025 Clean your straightener, curling iron A cotton ball or swab dipped in rubbing alcohol is the easiest way to clean a flat iron or curling iron. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rubbing alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubbing%20alcohol. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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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