degrease

1 of 2

verb

de·​grease (ˌ)dē-ˈgrēs How to pronounce degrease (audio) (ˌ)dē-ˈgrēz How to pronounce degrease (audio)
degreased; degreasing; degreases

transitive verb

: to remove grease from
degreaser
(ˌ)dē-ˈgrē-sər How to pronounce degrease (audio)
-zər
noun

degreaser

2 of 2

noun

de·​greas·​er "+ə(r) How to pronounce degreaser (audio)
1
: one employed at degreasing materials in an industrial process
2
: a solvent or a machine using solvents for degreasing materials, parts, specimens

Examples of degrease 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.
Verb
Because knobs and pulls are handled frequently, clean and degrease them thoroughly before painting. — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026 Add two or three gallons of hot water to a large bucket, sink, or plastic tub and add at least 1/2 cup of a heavy-duty degreaser (degreasing dish soap or an industrial cleaner). — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026 Of course, regularly cleaning and degreasing your entire oven is recommended. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026 Here's how to degrease kitchen cabinets, hoods, and ranges to create a less sticky cooking environment. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for degrease

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of degrease was circa 1889

Rhymes for degrease

See All Rhymes for degrease

Browse Nearby Words

de gratia
degrease
degreaser
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Degrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degrease. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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