chem·i·cal
ˈke-mi-kəl 
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry or the phenomena of chemistry
chemical reactions
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
a chemical fire extinguisher
b
: detectable by chemical means
1
: a substance obtained by a chemical process or producing a chemical effect
2
Examples of chemical in a Sentence
Adjective
They studied the compound's chemical structure.
Recent Examples on the Web
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Both compounds bind to opioid receptors in the brain, which triggers chemical changes that, with regular use, can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by oxycodone or heroin.
—Andrew Kolodny, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chemical
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Adjective
Supervisors also didn't document their observations, staff failed to record or preserve video recordings in some cases, and the facility did not review incidents afterward to examine whether chemical agents or other types of force were used appropriately.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Both compounds bind to opioid receptors in the brain, which triggers chemical changes that, with regular use, can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by oxycodone or heroin.
—Andrew Kolodny, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
For the outdoors, look to non-toxic and chemical-free (or chemical-lite) sprays.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chemical
Cite this Entry
“Chemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemical. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chemical
1 of 2 adjective
chem·i·cal
ˈkem-i-kəl
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
chemical
2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as an element or compound) obtained from a chemical process or used to get a chemical result
Medical Definition
chemical
1 of 2 adjective
chem·i·cal
ˈkem-i-kəl
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
b
: detectable by chemical means
chemical
2 of 2 noun1
: a substance (as an element or chemical compound) obtained by a chemical process or used for producing a chemical effect
2
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