petroleum jelly

noun

: a neutral unctuous odorless tasteless substance obtained from petroleum and used especially in ointments and dressings

Examples of petroleum jelly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This is especially true of stains on cotton, silk, and spandex, which are fabrics that quickly absorb Vaseline, and wool, which becomes matted when exposed to petroleum jelly. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025 Treatment includes protecting your skin with thick ointments like petroleum jelly. Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025 These are the best and most unexpected uses for the petroleum jelly in your medicine cabinet. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025 Avoid insecticides, greasy oils, or petroleum jelly smeared near the feeder that can coat hummingbird feathers. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for petroleum jelly

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petroleum jelly was in 1883

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Cite this Entry

“Petroleum jelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum%20jelly. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

petroleum jelly

noun
: a tasteless, odorless, and oily or greasy substance from petroleum that is used especially in ointments and dressings

Medical Definition

petroleum jelly

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on petroleum jelly

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