contaminated
adjective
con·tam·i·nat·ed
kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnā-təd 
1
: soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or association
a contaminated wound
Urine and feces of infected cats and contaminated clothing, bedding, food bowls or toys are also possible modes of transmission.—
Cat Fancy
Cat Fancy2
: made unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements
Botulinum toxin is a highly lethal substance which causes death, even in developed countries, when contaminated food is improperly canned or stored.—John Laffin
John Laffin… the material could be used as a filter for cleaning contaminated drinking water.—Alexandra Goho
Alexandra GohoExamples of contaminated in a Sentence
the hospitals had no choice but to throw out the contaminated blood supply
Recent Examples on the Web
So far, 96 of those samples were negative by polymerase chain reaction testing, or PCR, which detects live virus as well as inactive viral particles, indicating that those cheeses probably weren’t made with contaminated milk.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Once notified of the problem, the three local governments reacted by curtailing use of their contaminated wells and relying more on uncontaminated wells.
—Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
The illness is spread via direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or eating contaminated food or drinks.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contaminated
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.
Brenda Goodman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Once notified of the problem, the three local governments reacted by curtailing use of their contaminated wells and relying more on uncontaminated wells.
—Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
The illness is spread via direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or eating contaminated food or drinks.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contaminated
Cite this Entry
“Contaminated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminated. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share