Synonyms

dental floss

American

noun

a soft, strong, waxed or unwaxed thread, usually made of nylon, for drawing between the teeth to remove food particles and prevent the buildup of plaque.

dental floss British

noun

a soft usually flattened often waxed thread for cleaning the teeth and the spaces between them

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of dental floss

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The pollutants, which repel water, oil and grease, are used in hundreds of everyday products from dental floss to cookware to firefighting foams.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2024

They’re in makeup, dental floss and menstrual products.

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2024

Due to their water, fat and dirt-repellent properties, they are used in thousands of products such as cosmetics, dental floss, but also in pan coatings and fire-extinguishing foam.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2024

The zippers join a long list of products that can contain PFAS, including nonstick pans, dental floss, waterproof fabric, and even diapers.

From Slate • Nov. 8, 2023

I kept pulling on the necklace, trying to break the dental floss, but it wouldn’t split.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023