ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn How to pronounce ozone (audio)
1
: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing
2
: pure and refreshing air
relished the ozone of morning
ozonic
ō-ˈzō-nik How to pronounce ozone (audio) -ˈzä- How to pronounce ozone (audio)
adjective

Examples of ozone in a Sentence

Scientists are concerned about ozone depletion. A light breeze filled the rooms of our seaside cottage with ozone.
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.
This interaction can rekindle chemical reactions, creating additional local ozone on top of the fine particulate matter emitted from the fire. — Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 The unusual color is created by sunlight passing through Earth’s ozone-rich stratosphere before reaching the lunar surface. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Heat, sunlight, ozone exposure and long periods of sitting can all affect tire condition. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 Aluminum oxide is known for its ability to trigger ozone depletion, a hazardous process that was successfully thwarted by the Montreal Protocol of 1987. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ozone

Word History

Etymology

German Ozon, from Greek ozōn, present participle of ozein to smell — more at odor

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ozone was in 1840

Phrases Containing ozone

Rhymes for ozone

See All Rhymes for ozone

Browse Nearby Words

ozonation
ozone
ozone-friendly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

ozone

noun
ˈō-ˌzōn How to pronounce ozone (audio)
1
: a form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating sharp-smelling gas containing three atoms per molecule, and that is used especially in disinfecting, deodorizing, and bleaching
2
: pure and refreshing air

Medical Definition

ozone

noun
ˈō-ˌzōn How to pronounce ozone (audio)
: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is formed naturally in the atmosphere by a photochemical reaction and is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing
ozonic
ō-ˈzō-nik How to pronounce ozone (audio) -ˈzän-ik How to pronounce ozone (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ozone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ozone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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