ethanol

noun

eth·​a·​nol ˈe-thə-ˌnȯl How to pronounce ethanol (audio) -ˌnōl How to pronounce ethanol (audio)
British also ˈē-
: a colorless volatile flammable liquid C2H5OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent and in fuel

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

Examples of ethanol 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 alcohol that generally makes a person feel drunk is ethanol, but adult beverages often contain small quantities of methanol, which build up while the ethanol is being processed by the body. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Smoked, spiced maple syrup and vanilla bean dominate the midpalate before cinnamon builds and lends its own heat to the ethanol. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The suit against the ethanol plant also alleged some excess discharges of chlorine and nitrogen ammonia. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Field corn is used for livestock feed and ethanol production. — Danielle Ernest, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ethanol

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethanol was in 1892

Rhymes for ethanol

See All Rhymes for ethanol

Browse Nearby Words

Ethanim
ethanol
ethanolamine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

ethanol

noun
eth·​a·​nol ˈeth-ə-ˌnȯl How to pronounce ethanol (audio)
-ˌnōl
: a colorless flammable easily evaporated liquid that is used to dissolve things and that is the substance in fermented and distilled liquors that can make one drunk

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

Medical Definition

ethanol

noun
eth·​a·​nol ˈeth-ə-ˌnȯl How to pronounce ethanol (audio) -ˌnōl How to pronounce ethanol (audio)
: a colorless volatile flammable liquid C2H5OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

see alcohol sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on ethanol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ethanol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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