ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

Examples of ointment in a Sentence

You should put some ointment on that cut.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because skin with eczema sometimes feels drier and more sensitive, thick moisturizers like creams or ointments—and natural options like shea butter—can be especially helpful. —Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 8 May 2025

Glamour’s senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle like to apply this ointment on her hands and lips. —Mary Honkus, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2025

The source of all the trouble was a medication called betamethasone, which Baffert has steadfastly argued was administered in an ointment for a rash on Medina Spirit’s hindquarters. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025

That said, there is one practical fly in the judicial ointment of this case. —Nina Totenberg, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oynement, from Anglo-French uignement, oignement, ultimately from Latin unguentum, from unguere to anoint; akin to Old High German ancho butter, Sanskrit anakti he salves

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ointment

• fly in the ointment

Rhymes for ointment

• appointment
• disappointment
• reappointment

Kids Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a semisolid greasy medicine for use on the skin

Medical Definition

ointment

noun

oint·​ment ˈȯint-mənt 

: a salve or unguent for application to the skin

specifically : a semisolid medicinal preparation usually having a base of fatty or greasy material