ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

Examples of ointment in a Sentence

You should put some ointment on that cut.

Recent Examples on the Web

Welly First Aid Kit Buy on Amazon $15 $14 This cute first aid kit from Welly comes in a colorful tin and contains things like bandages, wound-cleaning wipes, and antibacterial ointment. —Terri Peters, Parents, 4 June 2024

As the evening wore on, Gloom began to celebrate excessively, and Boom began to find flies all over the ointment. —Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 3 June 2024

Before beginning the surgery, your ophthalmologist might also place antibiotic ointment on your eye. —Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 1 June 2024

Zinc also exists in various forms, including gels, lotions, mouth rinses, ointments, and oral supplements. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 19 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oynement, from Anglo-French uignement, oignement, ultimately from Latin unguentum, from unguere to anoint; akin to Old High German ancho butter, Sanskrit anakti he salves

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ointment

• fly in the ointment

Kids Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a semisolid greasy medicine for use on the skin

Medical Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

specifically : a semisolid medicinal preparation usually having a base of fatty or greasy material