coal tar

noun

: tar obtained by distillation of bituminous coal and used especially as an industrial fuel, in making dyes, and in the topical treatment of skin disorders

Examples of coal tar 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.
On the other hand, coal tar has a long history as a medicine. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025 That land was also home to a portion of the Citizens Gas manufactured gas plant, leaving behind layers of coal tar and hazardous waste. — Michelle De La Uz, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026 Vanillin can be obtained from cheaper sources, like eugenol and lignin, but the overwhelming majority of it is derived from petrochemicals, such as petroleum and coal tar. — Sarah Jampel, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 July 2025 The Lake Forest City Council has taken the first step toward banning coal tar sealant, a pavement product that contains compounds known to cause cancer. — Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coal tar

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coal tar was in 1785

Rhymes for coal tar

See All Rhymes for coal tar

Browse Nearby Words

coal seam
coal tar
coal-tar dye
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coal tar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coal%20tar. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coal tar

noun
: tar obtained from bituminous coal and used especially in making drugs and dyes

Medical Definition

coal tar

noun
ˈkōl- How to pronounce coal tar (audio)
: tar obtained by distillation of bituminous coal and used in the treatment of some skin diseases by direct local application to the skin

More from Merriam-Webster on coal tar

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coal tar

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