benzene

noun

ben·zene ˈben-ˌzēn ben-ˈzēn

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid

adjective or noun

Examples of benzene 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.

Groundwater tests taken near the purge sites showed evidence of oil field wastewater pollution, including high levels of salt, bromide and the carcinogen benzene, which exceeded the EPA drinking water standard by five times. — Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 27 Oct. 2026 The families of 11 deceased workers alleged that exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust, benzene and other hazardous substances contributed to their deaths. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Carbon monoxide, an asphyxiating gas, and benzene, a cancer-causing vapor, also exceeded California’s hourly standards in several kitchens. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 In Lower Manhattan, the collapse of the Twin Towers led to a massive dust cloud that filled the air and blanketed city blocks with ash, debris, metal, glass, asbestos, benzene and other harmful particles, according to the WTC Health program. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benzene

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of benzene was in 1833

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

benzene

noun

ben·zene ˈben-ˌzēn

ben-ˈzēn

: a colorless flammable liquid that evaporates easily and is used to make or dissolve other chemicals or as a motor fuel

Medical Definition

benzene

noun

ben·zene ˈben-ˌzēn ben-ˈ

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

called also benzol

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid

adjective

benzene

noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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benzene

noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing benzene

Rhymes for benzene

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on benzene

More from Merriam-Webster

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