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
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.
Simply lather a thick coating of petroleum jelly onto the scratch. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025 The lip balm is formulated with almond and rose oil, vitamin E, and petroleum jelly to soothe and hydrate. Lindsey Greenfeld, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 The last category, occlusives—which includes ingredients like petroleum jelly, shea butter, and beeswax—act like a top coat to trap in all that goodness. Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024 The ingredients are surprisingly simple — essential oils, petroleum jelly and beeswax, melted in a rice cooker. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Petroleum jelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum%20jelly. Accessed 16 Apr. 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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