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.
To avoid this, clean up any fallen or infected leaves around your roses and use sharp, clean pruning shears, disinfecting them with rubbing alcohol between plants, says Harvell. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 Other alternatives to vinegar and water or store-bought include rubbing alcohol. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 According to the department, the group had been roasting marshmallows on a Flikr Fire device, a tabletop fireplace fueled with rubbing alcohol, per NBC 7 San Diego and the LA Times. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Officials said that several children outside in a patio area were roasting marshmallows on a device called Flikr Fire, a tabletop fireplace kit that uses rubbing alcohol for fuel and was recalled in 2024. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 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 6 Jul. 2026.

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
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