fluoridate

verb

fluo·​ri·​date ˈflu̇r-ə-ˌdāt How to pronounce fluoridate (audio) ˈflȯr- How to pronounce fluoridate (audio)
fluoridated; fluoridating

transitive verb

: to add a fluoride to (something, such as drinking water) to reduce tooth decay
fluoridation
ˌflu̇r-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce fluoridate (audio)
ˌflȯr-
noun

Examples of fluoridate 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 phosphate industry sells fertilizers, fluoridates our drinking water, and produces weapons of war. — Jack Lohmann, Time, 30 Mar. 2026 The vote makes Portland one of the largest American cities not to fluoridate its water supply, second only to San Jose. — Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2013 Research from places that stopped fluoridating their water — Calgary, Canada; Juneau, Alaska; and Israel — has found that lower levels can have an impact over the span of years. — ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 Local communities, though, are on the front lines of the fluoride wars in most states, typically deciding whether or not to continue fluoridating their drinking water by council vote or community referendum. — Anna Clark, ProPublica, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluoridate

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluoridate was in 1949

Rhymes for fluoridate

See All Rhymes for fluoridate

Browse Nearby Words

fluoresci-
fluoridate
fluoridated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

fluoridate

verb
flu·​o·​ri·​date
ˈflu̇r-ə-ˌdāt
fluoridated; fluoridating
: to add a fluoride to (as drinking water) in order to reduce tooth decay
fluoridation
ˌflu̇r-ə-ˈdā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

fluoridate

transitive verb
flu·​o·​ri·​date ˈflu̇r-ə-ˌdāt How to pronounce fluoridate (audio) ˈflōr- How to pronounce fluoridate (audio)
ˈflȯr-
fluoridated; fluoridating
: to add a fluoride to (as drinking water) to reduce tooth decay
fluoridation
ˌflu̇r-ə-ˈdā-shən, ˌflōr-, ˌflȯr- How to pronounce fluoridate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fluoridate

Nglish: Translation of fluoridate for Spanish Speakers

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