perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perspiration (audio)
1
: the action or process of perspiring
2
: a saline fluid secreted by the sweat glands : sweat

Examples of perspiration in a Sentence

She wiped the perspiration from her forehead.
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.
Not only do the odors of both equine and human perspiration, body odor, and hormones linger in the air, but a horse’s hooves contain scent glands that stamp her scent into the ground. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 Penn State researchers developed a wearable sensor that continuously monitors low rates of perspiration for lactate, a biomarker that can indicate oxygen starvation in tissues. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 This is especially key on sweaty days to replenish the key minerals that escape in perspiration. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 20 Aug. 2026 The strains of climbing the tree and installing the platform had soaked him with perspiration. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perspiration

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perspiration was in 1583

Rhymes for perspiration

See All Rhymes for perspiration

Browse Nearby Words

perspirate
perspiration
perspirative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perspiration. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perspiration

noun
per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perspiration (audio)
1
: the act or process of perspiring
2
: a salty fluid given off by the sweat glands : sweat

Medical Definition

perspiration

noun
per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perspiration (audio)
1
: the act or process of perspiring
2
: a saline fluid that is secreted by the sweat glands, that consists chiefly of water containing sodium chloride and other salts, nitrogenous substances (as urea), carbon dioxide, and other solutes, and that serves both as a means of excretion and as a regulator of body temperature through the cooling effect of its evaporation

More from Merriam-Webster on perspiration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perspiration

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