deodorant

American  

[dee-oh-der-uhnt] / diˈoʊ dər ənt /

noun

1. an agent for destroying odors.

2. a substance, often combined with an antiperspirant, for inhibiting or masking perspiration or other bodily odors.

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adjective

1. capable of destroying odors.

   a deodorant cream.

deodorant British  

/ diːˈəʊdərənt /

noun

1. 1. a substance applied to the body to suppress or mask the odour of perspiration or other body odours

   2. ( as modifier ) Compare antiperspirant

      a deodorant spray

2. any substance for destroying or masking odours, such as liquid sprayed into the air

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Other Word Forms

• nondeodorant noun

Etymology

Origin of deodorant

First recorded in 1865–70; de- + odor + -ant

Example Sentences

These brands, the argument goes, will thrive once freed from a parent that treated them as cash cows to fund deodorant and soap, and instead are paired with a company whose entire identity is flavor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Oil-based substances can include lab-made fragrances, propellants that push spray deodorant out of the can, and stabilizing ingredients that help keep everything mixed evenly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

At 7:00 am, relatives brought packages: deodorant, toothpaste, soap and shampoo in labeled plastic bags, plus disinfectant and bleach -- provisions essential for maintaining hygiene in the latrines of tiny cells.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

She said festive items were required this year, such as Christmas cake, cranberry sauce, gravy, and chocolate coins for stockings, as well as essentials such as toilet roll, toothbrushes and deodorant.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

Mira Bro was a line of really sparkly men’s jewelry, tight patterned shirts and jeans, and most famously, a really, really potent men’s deodorant.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya

Related Words

• cleanser
• cosmetic
• disinfectant