tur·pen·tine
ˈtər-pən-ˌtīn 
ˈtər-pᵊm-
1
a
: a yellow to brown semifluid oleoresin obtained as an exudate from the terebinth
b
: an oleoresin obtained from various conifers (as some pines and firs)
2
a
: an essential oil obtained from turpentines by distillation and used especially as a solvent and thinner
called also gum turpentine
b
: a similar oil obtained by distillation or carbonization of pinewood
called also wood turpentine
turpentined; turpentining
1
: to apply turpentine to
2
: to extract turpentine from
especially
: to tap (pine trees) in order to obtain turpentine
Examples of turpentine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Make sure to keep the used oil separate from other chemical wastes, like gasoline, turpentine, or other solvents.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
Upon entering the room, hotel staff found flames spreading across the bedding, which reeked of turpentine.
—Longreads, 3 Oct. 2024
What if the very air that once carried the scent of linseed oil and turpentine could be inhaled by today's seekers of inspiration?
—Paul Jebara, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for turpentine 
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 reality, his products contained no actual snake oil at all—just mineral oil, beef fat, red pepper and turpentine.
—Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Make sure to keep the used oil separate from other chemical wastes, like gasoline, turpentine, or other solvents.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
Upon entering the room, hotel staff found flames spreading across the bedding, which reeked of turpentine.
—Longreads, 3 Oct. 2024
What if the very air that once carried the scent of linseed oil and turpentine could be inhaled by today's seekers of inspiration?
—Paul Jebara, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for turpentine
Dictionary Entries Near turpentine
Cite this Entry
“Turpentine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turpentine. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
turpentine
noun
tur·pen·tine
ˈtər-pən-ˌtīn, ˈtərp-ᵊm-
1
a
: a yellow to brown semifluid oleoresin obtained as an exudate from the terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus) of the sumac family
b
: an oleoresin obtained from various conifers (as some pines and firs)
2
a
: an essential oil obtained from turpentines by distillation and used especially as a solvent and thinner
called also oil of turpentine
b
: a similar oil obtained by distillation or carbonization of pinewood
called also wood turpentine
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share