Agent Orange

noun

: an herbicide widely used as a defoliant in the Vietnam War that is composed of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and contains dioxin as a contaminant

Examples of Agent Orange 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.
Vital Health Aid Remains Frozen Despite Court Ruling, by Stephanie Nolen Agent Orange Twisted Her Limbs. Tracy Mumford, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 After the long Vietnam War, many of those who served there became seriously sickened by Agent Orange chemical herbicides that were used during the war. Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025 Set on the island of Vieques—a U.S. military testing ground for toxic munitions like napalm, depleted uranium, and Agent Orange—The Fishbowl tells the story of Noelia (Isel Rodríguez), a 40-year-old artist grappling with terminal cancer. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2025 For years, the U.S. military tested and stored Agent Orange—a dangerous chemical that removes vegetation and causes cancer and other dangerous diseases—across Puerto Rico, for later use in Vietnam. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Agent Orange

Word History

Etymology

so called from the identifying color stripe on its container

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Agent Orange was in 1970

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Cite this Entry

“Agent Orange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Agent%20Orange. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

: an herbicide widely used as a defoliant in the Vietnam War that is composed of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and contains dioxin as a contaminant

More from Merriam-Webster on Agent Orange

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