# ointment

/ˈɔɪntmənt/ (US) · /ˈɔɪntmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ointment
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. medical cream

noun · CEFR B2

a thick, oily substance that you put on your skin to help a cut or a rash heal.

For teachers: a medicinal, oily preparation applied topically to the skin as a treatment or emollient.

- The doctor gave me a special ointment to put on my dry skin.
- The pharmacist recommended a topical ointment containing zinc to soothe the inflammation and provide a protective barrier for the damaged tissue.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'apply' or 'rub in'.

### 2. religious oil

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

a special oil or cream used in religious ceremonies.

For teachers: a substance used for anointing, specifically within the context of religious rituals or consecration.

- The priest used a holy ointment during the ceremony.
- Historical records describe the composition of the sacred ointment used during the coronation to signify the divine appointment of the new monarch.

## Examples

- Apply the ointment to the burn twice a day.
- The doctor prescribed a special ointment to help the athlete's sprained ankle heal faster.
- Ancient medical texts describe various herbal ointments used to soothe inflammation and promote circulation in patients suffering from chronic joint pain.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.