Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

methanol

American  
[meth-uh-nawl, -nol] / ˈmɛθ əˌnɔl, -ˌnɒl /

noun

Chemistry.
  1. methyl alcohol.


methanol British  
/ ˈmɛθəˌnɒl /

noun

  1. Also called: methyl alcohol.   wood alcohol.  a colourless volatile poisonous liquid compound used as a solvent and fuel. Formula: CH 3 OH

"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

methanol Scientific  
/ mĕthə-nôl′ /
  1. A colorless, toxic, flammable liquid used as a general solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. Also called methyl alcohol, wood alcohol. Chemical formula: CH 4 O.


Etymology

Origin of methanol

First recorded in 1890–95; methane + -ol 1

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.

Hydrogen is also important in methanol production and steelmaking.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

“It will become the largest ultra-low emissions methanol facility in the world.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Kpler said that vessel was carrying 31,500 tonnes of methanol and was bound for Sohar in Oman, according to data from its transponder.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Derivatives from petrochemicals - such as methanol and ethylene - are vital materials in the global production of pharmaceuticals, including painkillers, antibiotics and vaccines.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

He expects Petronas Chemicals’ fertilizers and methanol selling prices to rise 40% on year in 2026, up from 25% expected previously.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "methanol" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com