: a cleansing agent: such as
a
: soap
b
: any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents
c
: an oil-soluble substance that holds insoluble foreign matter in suspension and is used in lubricating oils and dry-cleaning solvents
Examples of detergent in a Sentence
Noun
We have tried different laundry detergents.
add the detergent to the washing machine before putting in the clothes
Recent Examples on the Web
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Body oils, skincare products, detergent residue, and minerals from hard water can all accumulate within the fibers, too, adding to the sticky mix and leading to towels that feel stiff, smell musty, or further lose absorbency.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026
Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
Fill the tub with warm water, toss in your clothes, and the detergent.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detergent
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Adjective
Let the vinegar run through the machine to break down detergent residue, mold, and odors.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Body oils, skincare products, detergent residue, and minerals from hard water can all accumulate within the fibers, too, adding to the sticky mix and leading to towels that feel stiff, smell musty, or further lose absorbency.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
Instead of tabs, Welsh urges you to try powder detergent.
—Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
Fill the tub with warm water, toss in your clothes, and the detergent.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detergent
Cite this Entry
“Detergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detergent. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detergent
1 of 2 adjective
de·ter·gent
di-ˈtər-jənt 
: able to clean : used in cleansing
detergent oil for engines
detergent
2 of 2 noun
: a substance that cleanses
especially
: a chemical product that is like soap in its ability to cleanse
Medical Definition
detergent
1 of 2 adjective
de·ter·gent
di-ˈtər-jənt
: having a cleansing action
detergent
2 of 2 noun
: a cleansing agent: as
a
b
: any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents
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