peroxide

1 of 3

noun

per·​ox·​ide pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd How to pronounce peroxide (audio)
: a compound (such as hydrogen peroxide) in which oxygen is visualized as joined to oxygen
peroxidic 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
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.
Noun
In This Article In The Kitchen In The Bathroom In The Laundry Room In The Bedroom Everywhere Else Key Takeaways Hydrogen peroxide is a medicine cabinet staple that can treat wounds and disinfect your home. Lauren David, Southern Living, 13 June 2025 Best High-Tech Whitening Kit: Snow Wireless Teeth Whitening Kit Courtesy of brand Snow Wireless Teeth Whitening Kit $129 129 Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide Dr. Sands recommends this LED whitening kit for two reasons. Daley Quinn, Glamour, 11 June 2025
Verb
Freshly peroxided, Mock headed to the skatepark later that day. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2019
Adjective
Quality inspections scrutinize ideal acidity levels, peroxide values, and light-based analyses.8 These standards are set by the International Olive Council (IOC) and the European Commission. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 16 Dec. 2024 The enamel-safe kit uses an LED light and peroxide gel, similar to laser whitening treatments at a dental office. Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for peroxide

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of peroxide was in 1804

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peroxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peroxide. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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

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