noun
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a substance applied to the body to suppress or mask the odour of perspiration or other body odours
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( as modifier ) Compare antiperspirant
a deodorant spray
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any substance for destroying or masking odours, such as liquid sprayed into the air
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of deodorant
Explanation
Deodorant is a substance that covers up the smell of sweat. You might use deodorant in the summer, applying it under your arms every morning. Deodorant is used to mask the smell of body odors or perspiration, either by keeping you from sweating or by killing the bacteria that can grow in sweaty areas of the body. Most deodorants also have a flowery or musky smell that's meant to overwhelm less pleasant smells. In the mid-1800s, a deodorant was "a substance meant to quell the odor of manure" on a farm or in a garden.
Vocabulary lists containing deodorant
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.
See Examples For:
“The first cleanser removes sweat, sunscreen, deodorant, excess oil, and odor-causing bacteria and the second provides another level of cleansing while restoring moisture, supporting the skin barrier or delivering an active ingredient,” Gohara said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
Charlie Bowes-Lyon, co-founder of deodorant brand Wild, says attitude matters far more than having the perfect set of skills.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
My assistance never came, and the deodorant was never purchased.
From Salon ● May 22, 2026
A mini natural mouth wash, gum, a charging cord, deodorant, there’s probably a spare pair of socks, and then those sniffy menthol things for your nose.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2026
“Don’t be afraid to put a little more deodorant on. You know? It’s something every guy goes through, and it’s probably time for you as well.”
From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle
Its Nivea brand has been undertaking a recalibration to more evenly distribute investment across body care and deodorants, instead of focusing mostly on facial products.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 3, 2026
For Tracey Baubie, the president and chief executive officer of Comprehensive Research Group, which tests consumer products such as deodorants and diapers for manufacturers, part-time mothers are a key part of her team.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 5, 2024
Generally, people use deodorants on their armpits, but perhaps there is a way to get rid of the bacteria.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 23, 2024
While manufacturers don’t have to show that the deodorants they make work, “all manufacturers of these products do have a legal liability to show that their products are safe for human use,” Zagorski says.
From National Geographic ● Sep. 6, 2023
She dumped the whole basket of powders, razors, and deodorants at the cashier’s counter just the same.
From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
