formaldehyde
noun
form·al·de·hyde
fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd 
fər-
: a colorless pungent irritating gas CH2O used chiefly in aqueous solution as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis
Examples of formaldehyde in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Additionally, formaldehyde is emitted in some Colorado communities that are predominantly people of color, according to advocates for those communities.
—
Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
There was a recent pitch about the health risks of hair straighteners like Brazilian Blowouts and keratin smoothing treatments, many of which contain formaldehyde.
—Emmett Lindner, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Over the years, an increasing number of studies have linked formaldehyde to cancers that are especially prevalent among Black women.
—Michelle Garcia, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025
The biggest ingredients to avoid are formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) but there are plenty more that can be considered dangerous.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
There was a recent pitch about the health risks of hair straighteners like Brazilian Blowouts and keratin smoothing treatments, many of which contain formaldehyde.
—Emmett Lindner, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Over the years, an increasing number of studies have linked formaldehyde to cancers that are especially prevalent among Black women.
—Michelle Garcia, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025
The biggest ingredients to avoid are formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) but there are plenty more that can be considered dangerous.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
Cite this Entry
“Formaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formaldehyde
noun
form·al·de·hyde
fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd
fər-
: a colorless gas that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, has a sharp irritating odor, and when dissolved in water is used to disinfect or to prevent decay
Medical Definition
formaldehyde
noun
form·al·de·hyde
fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd, fər-
: a colorless pungent irritating gas CH2O used chiefly as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share