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

Use a thick moisturizing cream or ointment instead of a lotion for the best results. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025

Pet safety: How to keep your pets safe in cold weather The best tips to heal dry and chapped lips Use lip balm or ointment throughout the day, but be careful to avoid overdoing it. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

Topicals are creams, gels, lotions, and ointments which can help surface and slightly below the skin issues. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024

But a glimpse of Simon McBurney, as Orlok’s familiar, crouched nude while performing a dark ritual in the center of the frame just brought to mind a similar shot in Eggers’s breakthrough in which a witch is seen from behind preparing flying ointment with the help of a devastating ingredient. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024

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

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