peroxide

1 of 3

noun

per·​ox·​ide pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd How to pronounce peroxide (audio)
: a compound (such as hydrogen peroxide) in which oxygen is visualized as joined to oxygen
peroxidic adjective

peroxide

2 of 3

verb

peroxided; peroxiding

transitive verb

: to treat with a peroxide
especially : to bleach (hair) with hydrogen peroxide

peroxide

3 of 3

adjective

: having or being bleached hair
a peroxide blonde

Examples of peroxide 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.
Noun
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical (applied to the skin) antibiotic. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024 The peroxide will act as a disinfectant to remove mold and mildew in addition to soap scum. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Freshly peroxided, Mock headed to the skatepark later that day. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2019
Adjective
The enamel-safe kit uses an LED light and peroxide gel, similar to laser whitening treatments at a dental office. Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2024 From greased mullets to peroxide pixies, Miley Cyrus is no stranger to a subversive hair moment. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for peroxide 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1804, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peroxide was in 1804

Dictionary Entries Near peroxide

Cite this Entry

“Peroxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peroxide. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

peroxide

noun
per·​ox·​ide
pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd
: an oxide containing a high proportion of oxygen
especially : hydrogen peroxide

Medical Definition

peroxide

noun
per·​ox·​ide pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd How to pronounce peroxide (audio)
: a compound (as hydrogen peroxide) in which oxygen is visualized as joined to oxygen

More from Merriam-Webster on peroxide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!