cotton ball
noun
US
: a small ball of cotton that can be used for a variety of purposes (such as removing makeup or cleaning a wound) and that is usually used once and then thrown away
a bag of cotton balls
Examples of cotton ball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hairstylist and owner of Salon PK Pekela Riley suggests dipping a Q-tip or cotton ball into an apple cider vinegar rinse, then lightly dabbing it on affected areas to dissolve buildup and soothe the itchies.
—
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025
Use a cotton ball to dab the mixture onto your age spots.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Lightly wipe, dab with a cotton ball, or use a spray bottle when applying the salt.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Nail polish remover: Use a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton ball to erase scuffs.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Help your child learn with fun nose blowing games like cotton ball races and underwater bubbles.
—Aleksandra Weber, Parents, 12 June 2025
To blot the ink stain, use a dampened cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, then rinse the spot with cold water.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024
Studies have found that two drops poured onto a cotton ball and inhaled for 20 minutes appeared to be safe and well-tolerated.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 5 Aug. 2024
Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to wipe the blades of the pruners to remove bacteria that can spread disease between plants.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
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Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025
Use a cotton ball to dab the mixture onto your age spots.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Lightly wipe, dab with a cotton ball, or use a spray bottle when applying the salt.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Nail polish remover: Use a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton ball to erase scuffs.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Help your child learn with fun nose blowing games like cotton ball races and underwater bubbles.
—Aleksandra Weber, Parents, 12 June 2025
To blot the ink stain, use a dampened cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, then rinse the spot with cold water.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024
Studies have found that two drops poured onto a cotton ball and inhaled for 20 minutes appeared to be safe and well-tolerated.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 5 Aug. 2024
Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to wipe the blades of the pruners to remove bacteria that can spread disease between plants.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cotton ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cotton%20ball. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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