cotton swab

noun

: a short stick that has round pieces of cotton at both ends

Examples of cotton swab 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.
Use a small brush or a cotton swab to apply the coconut oil, then open and close the hinge to work it in. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026 Add a drop of clove oil to another oil, such as olive or canola, and apply it to your gums with a cotton swab. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026 Dip a cotton swab or the corner of a clean cloth in olive oil, and gently rub it over the area to remove the residue. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 A lot of people instinctively reach for a Q-tip or cotton swab to clean their ears. Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cotton swab

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cotton swab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cotton%20swab. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cotton swab

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!