distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
1
a
: the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation
b
: a process like distillation
gradual distillation of the truth
also : an instance of such distilling
2
: something distilled : distillate sense 2

Examples of distillation 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.
The problem with the abstract expressionists’ relentless courting of the sublime was that the process of distillation produced too much bombast. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 Murals, giant roadside figures, and the familiar red, white, and blue shield turn the block into a bright distillation of the Mother Road – nostalgic, playful, and designed to be understood through a windshield. — Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026 That range covers a variety of applications, including pasteurization and sterilization of dairy products, cooking and cleaning in food production, and distillation processes in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 Designed by Mies van der Rohe, Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie offers up the ideal venue for Brancusi’s crisp distillations of form, at least in theory. — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distillation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of distillation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing distillation

Rhymes for distillation

See All Rhymes for distillation

Browse Nearby Words

distillate
distillation
distilled green
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

distillation

noun
dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
: a process of heating a liquid or solid until it sends off a vapor and then cooling the vapor until it becomes liquid

Medical Definition

distillation

noun
dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
1
: a process that consists of driving gas or vapor from liquids or solids by heating and condensing to liquid products and that is used especially for purification, fractionation, or the formation of new substances
2
: something distilled

More from Merriam-Webster on distillation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distillation

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