sulfur

noun

sul·​fur ˈsəl-fər How to pronounce sulfur (audio)
variants or chiefly British sulphur
: a nonmetallic chemical element that is an essential element for all life, resembles oxygen in chemical properties, and is used especially in the form of sulfuric acid to extract phosphates from ores see Chemical Elements Table
sulfury adjective
or chiefly British sulphury
Is it sulfur or sulphur?: Usage Guide

The spelling sulfur predominates in U.S. technical usage, while both sulfur and sulphur are common in general usage. British usage tends to favor sulphur for all applications. The same pattern is seen in most of the words derived from sulfur.

Examples of sulfur 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.
Most of the iron in our blood and the sulfur in our amino acids originated in stars that detonated billions of years ago. Jayson Stewart, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2025 But the phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, zinc, iron and copper are still in the high range. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025 In a process known as fermentation, these bacteria feast on the oligosaccharides, resulting in byproducts like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and, occasionally, sulfur—in other words, gas. Caroline Tien, SELF, 7 Feb. 2025 Then there are classics like Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion, which uses a potent blend of sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc oxide, and calamine to calm zits overnight. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sulfur

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sulphur brimstone, from Latin sulpur, sulphur, sulfur

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulfur was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sulfur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfur. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

sulfur

noun
sul·​fur
variants also sulphur
: a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is found in proteins, exists in several forms including yellow crystals, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in strengthening rubber, and in medicine for treating skin diseases see element

Medical Definition

sulfur

1 of 2 noun
sul·​fur
variants or chiefly British sulphur
: a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is a constituent of proteins, exists in several allotropic forms including yellow orthorhombic crystals, resembles oxygen chemically but is less active and more acidic, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in rubber vulcanization, and in medicine for treating skin diseases
symbol S
see Chemical Elements Table

sulfur

2 of 2 adjective
variants or chiefly British sulphur
: of, relating to, or resembling sulfur : containing or impregnated with sulfur

More from Merriam-Webster on sulfur

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