charcoal

1 of 2

noun

char·​coal ˈchär-ˌkōl How to pronounce charcoal (audio)
Synonyms of charcoalnext
1
: a dark or black porous carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances (as from wood by charring in a kiln from which air is excluded)
2
a
: a piece or pencil of fine charcoal used in drawing
b
: a charcoal drawing
3
: a dark gray

charcoal

2 of 2

verb

charcoaled; charcoaling; charcoals

transitive verb

: charbroil

Examples of charcoal 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.
Noun
Follow the heady scent of charcoal and chicken wings south to FDR Park. — Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Her eyes also boasted their usual liquid black wing with a metallic shimmer on the lids and a Gothic charcoal hue buffed in her waterline. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
Verb
The brand is most famous for their scrubs, which range from apricots to charcoal to bamboo. — Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 Meat that's been smoked, grilled, charcoaled, or preserved with salt may lead to gene mutations and precancerous changes in the stomach. — Carrie Madormo, Health, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charcoal

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English charcole

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1930, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for charcoal

See All Rhymes for charcoal

Browse Nearby Words

charco
charcoal
charcoal black
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Charcoal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charcoal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

charcoal

noun
char·​coal
ˈchär-ˌkōl
1
: a dark or black absorbent carbon made by heating animal or vegetable material in the absence of air
2
a
: a piece or pencil of charcoal used in drawing
b
: a charcoal drawing

Medical Definition

charcoal

noun
char·​coal ˈchär-ˌkōl How to pronounce charcoal (audio)
: a dark or black porous carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances (as from wood by charring in a kiln from which air is excluded) see activated charcoal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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