distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
1
a
: the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation
b
: a process like distillation
gradual distillation of the truth
also : an instance of such distilling
2
: something distilled : distillate sense 2

Examples of distillation 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.
The spirit was fermented in earthen pits and distilled, a process that took a year across eight fermentations and seven distillations. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 Some pastimes are distractions, some are distortions, and some few are true distillations—refining a city or a place or a community to its essence, deliciously sipped by all. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 Loved this homage to children’s book author Sandra Boynton and her expansive collection of works, and felt seen by this separate distillation of her most essential reads. — Torrey Hart, New York Times, 4 July 2026 The new membrane offers a potential alternative to the energy-intensive distillation process used in refineries. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for distillation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Phrases Containing distillation

Rhymes for distillation

See All Rhymes for distillation

Browse Nearby Words

distillate
distillation
distilled green
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

distillation

noun
dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
: a process of heating a liquid or solid until it sends off a vapor and then cooling the vapor until it becomes liquid

Medical Definition

distillation

noun
dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
1
: a process that consists of driving gas or vapor from liquids or solids by heating and condensing to liquid products and that is used especially for purification, fractionation, or the formation of new substances
2
: something distilled

More from Merriam-Webster on distillation

Nglish: Translation of distillation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distillation

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