peroxide

1 of 3

noun

per·​ox·​ide pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd 

: a compound (such as hydrogen peroxide) in which oxygen is visualized as joined to oxygen

peroxidic

pə-ˌräk-ˈsi-dik 

adjective

peroxide

2 of 3

verb

peroxided; peroxiding

transitive verb

: to treat with a peroxide

especially : to bleach (hair) with hydrogen peroxide

peroxide

3 of 3

adjective

: having or being bleached hair

a peroxide blonde

Examples of peroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The peroxide will act as a disinfectant to remove mold and mildew in addition to soap scum. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

The chemicals overheated and self-ignited, releasing toxic peroxide fumes and forcing 200 people to evacuate. —Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

Freshly peroxided, Mock headed to the skatepark later that day. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2019

Adjective

From greased mullets to peroxide pixies, Miley Cyrus is no stranger to a subversive hair moment. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2024

Julia Garner and her peroxide coiffure are essentially synonymous at the point—and for Golden Globes 2024 red carpet, the close-crop's shade served as the foundation for the actor's makeup palette. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1804, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing peroxide

• benzoyl peroxide
• bottle/bleached/peroxide blonde
• hydrogen peroxide

Kids Definition

peroxide

noun

per·​ox·​ide

pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd

: an oxide containing a high proportion of oxygen

especially : hydrogen peroxide

Medical Definition

peroxide

noun

per·​ox·​ide pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd 

: a compound (as hydrogen peroxide) in which oxygen is visualized as joined to oxygen