rubbing alcohol

American  

noun

1. a poisonous solution of about 70 percent isopropyl or denatured ethyl alcohol, usually containing a perfume oil, used chiefly in massaging.

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rubbing alcohol British  

noun

1. a liquid usually consisting of 70 per cent denatured ethyl alcohol, used by external application as an antiseptic or rubefacient

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Etymology

Origin of rubbing alcohol

First recorded in 1925–30

Compare meaning

How does rubbing-alcohol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• isopropyl alcohol vs. rubbing alcohol

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rubbing alcohol

Officials said that several children outside in a patio area were roasting marshmallows on a device called Flikr Fire, a tabletop fireplace kit that uses rubbing alcohol for fuel and was recalled in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026

Cold packs, antibacterial products, hair dye, rubbing alcohol, nail polish, hand sanitizer.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 18, 2023

He then returns with rubbing alcohol and the police help carry the protester away as members of the crowd shout "move!"

From Reuters ● May 1, 2023

Use a sponge to apply rubbing alcohol to the stain, working outward from the center.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2022

I opened it—the bluish gel smelled like flowers and rubbing alcohol, like a fancy hair salon.

From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green