chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklȯr-ˌēn 

-ən

: a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish-yellow diatomic gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of chlorine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reducing exposure to irritants like chlorine can be helpful there. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 9 July 2025

Always rinse your swimsuit in cold water right after swimming to remove chlorine or salt and prevent fabric damage. —Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 5 July 2025

The air stings your eyes and smells of chemicals, like chlorine but not quite. —Spike Johnson, NBC news, 29 June 2025

According to the brand, 98% of our shower water has high levels of chlorine, harmful chemicals, and heavy metals, which can cause brittle hair and dry skin. —Kelli Acciardo, Allure, 24 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chlorine

• chlorine dioxide
• chlorine monoxide

Rhymes for chlorine

• organochlorine

Kids Definition

chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn 

ˈklȯ(ə)r-,

-ən

: a nonmetallic element that is found alone as a heavy greenish yellow irritating gas having two atoms per molecule and a strong odor and that is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification see element

Medical Definition

chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn, ˈklȯ(ə)r-, -ən 

: a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish yellow gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification

—symbol Cl see Chemical Elements Table