What does ointment mean?
Ointment is a noun for a thick, semisolid preparation intended to be rubbed into the skin. It may be medicinal, soothing, or cosmetic, and is commonly described as an ointment for burns, cuts, or dry skin. The word can also name the ceremonial act of applying oil or another substance to a person or object as a religious rite; in that sense, anointment is the more familiar noun. As a verb, ointment means to apply ointment or to anoint, and its use is literary or ceremonial rather than everyday. The term comes through Old French from Latin unguentum, related to unguere, “to anoint.” It sounds clinical but carries a slightly formal, venerable atmosphere, especially in religious or figurative contexts.
A thick or semisolid preparation made to be applied to the skin, especially for soothing, healing, or protecting it. More broadly, it can refer to the substance or ceremony used in anointing.
"The herbal ointment helped soothe his irritated skin."
The religious sense is relatively formal and literary; in ordinary medical use, the word is neutral and precise.
To apply ointment to something, or to anoint a person or object ceremonially.
"The minister anointed the congregation with fragrant oil."
As a verb, “ointment” is uncommon in everyday speech and is chiefly literary, ceremonial, or figurative.
The plural is used when referring to multiple preparations, types of ointment, or separate acts of anointing.
"The apothecary displayed several soothing ointments."
The same Latin root behind “ointment” also gave us “anoint,” connecting a familiar skin preparation with acts of consecration and ceremony.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ointment come from?
The word descends from Old French oint, meaning an ointment or a rubbing, and ultimately from Latin unguentum, “ointment.” Latin unguentum is related to unguere, “to anoint” or “smear with oil,” the root also behind English anoint. The development reflects the word’s longstanding connection between medicinal preparations and religious or ceremonial anointing.
How ointment is actually used
In everyday medical or cosmetic contexts, “ointment” is formal but neutral. In religious, literary, and figurative contexts, it often suggests consecration, blessing, or deliberate selection.