fluoride

noun

fluo·​ride ˈflȯr-ˌīd How to pronounce fluoride (audio) ˈflu̇r- How to pronounce fluoride (audio)
often attributive
1
: a compound of fluorine
2
: the monovalent anion of fluorine

Examples of fluoride 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.
But the joke was about fluoride. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 This week, the City of Baltimore's public water system cut fluoride levels in its drinking water nearly in half. — Pien Huang, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026 In the sketch, Sherman wore oversized fake teeth and mocked Wood’s Manchester accent in a line about removing fluoride from water and eating monkeys. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026 Minerals such as calcium, manganese, and fluoride support bone health, helping to prevent or manage diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis. — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fluoride

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluoride was in 1826

Phrases Containing fluoride

Rhymes for fluoride

See All Rhymes for fluoride

Browse Nearby Words

fluoridation
fluoride
fluoridization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

fluoride

noun
flu·​o·​ride
ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīd
: a compound of fluorine with another element or chemical group

Medical Definition

fluoride

noun
flu·​o·​ride ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīd How to pronounce fluoride (audio)
1
: a compound of fluorine with a more electropositive element or radical
2
: the monovalent anion of fluorine
fluoride adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fluoride

Nglish: Translation of fluoride for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fluoride

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