lanolin

noun

lan·o·lin ˈla-nə-lən

: wool grease especially when refined for use in ointments and cosmetics

Examples of lanolin 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 emollient Icon Cream comes in two iterations (with and without lanolin). — James Manso, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 Its deeply hydrating properties come courtesy of lanolin, a powerhouse hydrator found in sheep’s wool. — Emma Greene, InStyle, 28 May 2026 Vanicream has built its reputation on formulas that strip out many of the ingredients most likely to cause reactions—things like fragrance, dyes, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers. — Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026 Those with extra-sensitive skin often find success with Vanicream, which is free of irritating ingredients such as dyes, fragrance, formaldehyde and lanolin. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lanolin

Word History

Etymology

Latin lana wool + International Scientific Vocabulary -ol entry 3 + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of lanolin was in 1885

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Browse Nearby Words

lanolated

lanolin

lanolize

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

lanolin

noun

lan·o·lin ˈlan-ᵊl-ən

: the fatty coating of sheep's wool especially when purified for use in ointments and cosmetics

Medical Definition

lanolin

noun

lan·o·lin ˈlan-ᵊl-ən

: a yellowish sticky unctuous mass of refined wool grease that can be absorbed by the skin, contains from 25 to 30 percent incorporated water, and is used chiefly in ointments and cosmetics

called also adeps lanae, hydrous wool fat

lanolin

noun

Examples of lanolin in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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