ENGLISH
REFERENCE

thinner

n.
US //ˈθɪnɝ// UK //θˈɪnɐ// thin·ner
  1. 1 paint solvent (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    a liquid you add to paint or glue to make it thinner and easier to use.

    a volatile solvent used to reduce the viscosity of paints, varnishes, or adhesives for easier application.

    Example

    You need to add some paint thinner to the brush before you start cleaning it.

    Example

    The artist carefully mixed a small amount of cellulose thinner into the oil paint to achieve the desired transparency for the base layer.

    Usage

    Often used in the compound 'paint thinner'.
Origin

From thin + -er.

© 2026 English Reference