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detergent

adjective
de·​ter·​gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt How to pronounce detergent (audio) \

Definition of detergent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: that cleanses : cleansing a detergent oil

detergent

noun

Definition of detergent (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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

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Synonyms for detergent

Synonyms: Noun

cleaner, cleanser, soap

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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: Noun

Consider additional accommodations, such as extra blankets, privacy and fresh sheets that have been cleaned with an odorless detergent to avoid skin irritations. Christen A. Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Think again about keeping your bed to yourself when overnight guests stay — especially if they’re older," 7 Sep. 2019 The Shanghai outlet is in a suburban district, aiming to cater to car-driving shoppers willing to load up with bulk items such as 30-pack boxes of cookies or 200-fluid-ounce (6-liter) bottles of detergent. Nisha Gopalan, Fortune, "Why Costco Might Survive China’s Rocky Retail Scene," 28 Aug. 2019 Cashmere is also better washed at home with a detergent specifically formulated for finer fabrics. Faye Wetzel, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Faye shares how to care for yourself and your clothing," 3 Apr. 2018 Unlike pasta sauce or ice cream stains that wash out with detergent, though, Vitoulis says these stains are virtually impossible to get out. Jessica Leigh Mattern, Redbook, "7 Ways You're Doing Your Laundry Wrong," 29 June 2015 Most importantly, do not use vinegar in this solution; use only dish detergent and water. Tainaya Nash, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need to Know to Clean Your Walls," 25 July 2019 Now the maker of Tide detergent and Gillette razors hopes bug spray will break the drought. Sharon Terlep, WSJ, "P&G, in Search of New Markets, Is Going After Bugs," 8 July 2019 Though not as dangerous as ingesting laundry detergent pods, the challenge is just as bizarre. Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, "What's the Bottle Cap Challenge? Here's what you need to know about the latest viral trend," 2 July 2019 Alma Benitez, 35, is suspected of being involved in the theft of laundry detergent, baby formula, shampoo, liquor and batteries from Walmart, Fry's and Target stores, court documents said. Serena O'sullivan, azcentral, "Phoenix mom accused of buying stolen items, involving her kids in reselling merchandise," 14 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'detergent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of detergent

Adjective

1616, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1676, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for detergent

detergent

noun

English Language Learners Definition of detergent

: a powder or liquid that is used to clean clothes, dishes, etc. : a chemical substance that is like soap

detergent

noun
de·​ter·​gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt How to pronounce detergent (audio) \

Kids Definition of detergent

: a substance that cleans

detergent

adjective
de·​ter·​gent | \ di-ˈtər-jənt How to pronounce detergent (audio) \

Medical Definition of detergent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: having a cleansing action

detergent

noun

Medical Definition of detergent (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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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