ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn How to pronounce ozone (audio)
1
: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing
2
: pure and refreshing air
relished the ozone of morning
ozonic
ō-ˈzō-nik How to pronounce ozone (audio) -ˈzä- How to pronounce ozone (audio)
adjective

Examples of ozone in a Sentence

Scientists are concerned about ozone depletion. A light breeze filled the rooms of our seaside cottage with ozone.
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 alert means that ozone levels on the ground may approach or exceed unhealthy standards, according to the DEM. — Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 2 July 2026 Air quality alerts are also in effect along the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan because of elevated ground-level ozone. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 Current satellite data measures ozone separately in the lower, middle, and upper stratosphere, and model simulations help scientists work out the causes of any changes in these layers. — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 During the interview, Burgum also said the green algae that was permeating the pool has now been fixed, thanks to nanobubbler technology that pumps tiny ozone bubbles into the water to damage algae’s cells. — Philip Wang, Time, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ozone

Word History

Etymology

German Ozon, from Greek ozōn, present participle of ozein to smell — more at odor

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ozone was in 1840

Phrases Containing ozone

Rhymes for ozone

See All Rhymes for ozone

Browse Nearby Words

ozonation
ozone
ozone-friendly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ozone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ozone. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ozone

noun
ˈō-ˌzōn How to pronounce ozone (audio)
1
: a form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating sharp-smelling gas containing three atoms per molecule, and that is used especially in disinfecting, deodorizing, and bleaching
2
: pure and refreshing air

Medical Definition

ozone

noun
ˈō-ˌzōn How to pronounce ozone (audio)
: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is formed naturally in the atmosphere by a photochemical reaction and is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing
ozonic
ō-ˈzō-nik How to pronounce ozone (audio) -ˈzän-ik How to pronounce ozone (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ozone

Nglish: Translation of ozone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ozone

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