detergent

1 of 2

adjective

de·​ter·​gent di-ˈtər-jənt How to pronounce detergent (audio)
: that cleanses : cleansing
a detergent oil

detergent

2 of 2

noun

: 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
Adjective
Insects are covered in waxy, water-repellent shells, but the velvet worm’s slime contains fat and detergent molecules that break past this defence. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2010 Our tester used their Black+Decker washer with a detergent infusion to blast bugs from the grill of their car and found that the power washer stripped away all mess and detritus. Gabriel Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2022 Even so, this detergent sheet is a great value at only 21 cents per medium load. Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping, 11 Oct. 2022 Being a skin focused detergent brand requires integrity, continuous improvement, and a commitment to what’s best for people, regardless of how popular that may be. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 14 Aug. 2022 The team changed the playing field for detergent raw materials. Kao Contributor, Forbes, 9 Aug. 2022 The chamois will get more detergent exposure, and will rinse cleaner. Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 17 July 2021 The soapy bucket method: Add a few drops of detergent soap to a bucket half filled with water. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2022 Geller said her team is working on evaluating some detergent sheet products now, but that consumers can still look up the individual ingredients used in the products. Lisa Held, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2021
Noun
While household staples like laundry detergent may eventually be purchased primarily with the click of a button, many shoppers will continue to want to touch furniture, clothing and other items in person. USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 It’s also used in a variety of products including lubricants, dyes, detergents and drugs. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Environmental triggers, including exposure to harsh soaps, detergents, chemicals, or allergens, can contribute to its development. Amanda Gardner, Health, 4 Mar. 2024 Clean and disinfect surfaces with a mixture of detergent and chlorine bleach after someone’s sick, WebMD says. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 25 Feb. 2024 It is crafted from Polywood lumber (aka high-density polyethylene), which is made in the U.S.A. from recycled plastics commonly used in milk jugs and laundry detergent containers. Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 Additional products will be introduced throughout 2024 and early 2025, including power cords, underwear, socks, laundry detergent, dish soap and more, Target said. Rob Wile, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024 Soak hats for 15 to 20 minutes in the water/detergent solution to clean. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2024 Those environmental exposures include air, water, soaps, detergents, and allergens — all of which can activate your immune system, potentially causing redness and swelling, and nervous system, eliciting the sensation of itch itself. Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detergent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1616, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detergent was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near detergent

Cite this Entry

“Detergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detergent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

detergent

1 of 2 adjective
de·​ter·​gent di-ˈtər-jənt How to pronounce detergent (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce detergent (audio)
: having a cleansing action

detergent

2 of 2 noun
: a cleansing agent: as
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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