detergent

1 of 2

adjective

de·​ter·​gent di-ˈtər-jənt How to pronounce detergent (audio)
Synonyms of detergentnext
: 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

Synonyms of detergent

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Adjective
Adding white vinegar and using the warmest safe water can help remove trapped smells and detergent residue. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026 According to Stein, every load leaves behind detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, and minerals from your water, and all of that builds up over time. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
Milagros Pica Quiñones’ small concrete home is an untamed menagerie of bottles, paint buckets, bleach and laundry detergent jugs. — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Sometimes detergent residue can build up on towels and trap more moisture, so adding the vinegar to the rinse part of the wash helps remove detergent that wasn’t completely rinsed off. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detergent

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

Phrases Containing detergent

Rhymes for detergent

See All Rhymes for detergent

Browse Nearby Words

detergency
detergent
deteriorable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detergent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
a
: soap sense 1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on detergent

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detergent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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