bleaching

American  

[blee-ching] / ˈbli tʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the application of bleach or another chemical agent to something in order to whiten, lighten, clean, or disinfect.

   Bleaching is not recommended for this fabric.

   She gives her kitchen countertops a weekly bleaching.

2. the process of becoming whiter or lighter in color, such as by prolonged exposure to sunlight, the application of chemicals, or other means.

   The bleaching of animal bones in the desert is a well-known phenomenon.

3. a loss of color in coral that indicates declining health: caused by a loss of the algae that normally live symbiotically in the coral's tissues.

4. Photography. the conversion of the silver image of a negative or print to a silver halide, either to remove the image or to change its tone.

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Etymology

Origin of bleaching

First recorded in 1550–60, bleaching for def. 1; 1970–75, bleaching for def. 3; bleach ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Nolasco said a taper is the favorite haircut these days and there’s also players bleaching their hair blond for the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

"Every global coral bleaching event has been during an El Nino year," said Clint Oakley, a coral scientist at Victoria University of Wellington.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

"The average sea temperature for the last few years is the same as what it was at the peak of the 1998 global bleaching event," said Oakley.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Daniel added that eventually, he was using the bleaching product all over his body on a daily basis.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

By the time we’re done with all that shopping, all I can think about is that bleaching cream in my pocket and how I can’t wait to get home and try it.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles