pine tar

noun

: tar obtained by destructive distillation of pinewood and used especially in roofing and soaps and in the treatment of skin diseases

Examples of pine tar 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.
On this night, the hardwood bruises had given way to dirt and pine tar. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 15 May 2026 George Brett, all time, legend with great stories on the diamond, pine tar (game) and off the diamond. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025 Most hitters would rather sniff pine tar than face Estrada’s blend of 97-mph fastball, a devastating splitter and a sharp slider. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025 Pitcher Michael Pineda of the Yankees is handed a ten-game suspension after being caught using pine tar on the mound in the previous day’s game. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pine tar

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pine tar was in 1855

Rhymes for pine tar

See All Rhymes for pine tar

Browse Nearby Words

pine tag
pine tar
pine-tar oil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pine tar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pine%20tar. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pine tar

noun
: tar obtained from pinewood and used especially in roofing and soaps and in the treatment of skin diseases

Medical Definition

pine tar

noun
: tar obtained from the wood of pine trees (genus Pinus and especially P. palustris) and used in soaps and in the treatment of skin diseases
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