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

The content creator was prescribed an ointment for her facial skin damage and antibiotics for her infection. —Staff Author, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025

Be sure to include tweezers for removing splinters or ticks, gauze for bleeding, antibiotic ointment, blister treatment, children’s pain reliever and antihistamine, antiseptic wipes, and lots of bandages. —Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2025

Topical ointments might also be helpful but if the problem persists or gets worse, anal sacculectomy or removal may need to be considered. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 2 Feb. 2025

The fly in the deep sea ointment is powering the gliders. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 Feb. 2025

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