impure

adjective

im·​pure (ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r How to pronounce impure (audio)
: not pure: such as
a
: containing something unclean : foul
impure water
b
: mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance
an impure chemical
c
d
: ritually unclean
impurely adverb
impureness noun

Examples of impure in a Sentence

be careful, because impure motor oil can damage your car's engine Victorian notions of what qualified as impure art now strike us as laughable.
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.
This anti-establishment mindset translates to denim with dirty shades of indigo, impure neutrals and green casts, accented with pops of fiery red and pale yellow. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 May 2025 According to some Buddhist scriptures, during Maya’s pregnancy the future Buddha never actually touched her womb, which was considered impure in early Indian Buddhism. Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 6 May 2025 Farmers or middlemen also frequently adulterated milk, watering it down to stretch supplies—with impure water likely to introduce further pathogens—or adding toxic substances, like formaldehyde or chalk, meant to conceal spoilage or make milk appear whiter. Made By History, Time, 29 Apr. 2025 What was considered holy at one time was considered impure in other epochs. Isaac Bashevis Singer, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impure

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin impurus, from in- + purus pure

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impure was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impure. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

impure

adjective
im·​pure (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇(ə)r How to pronounce impure (audio)
1
: not pure : unclean, dirty
2
: mixed with something else that is usually not as good
an impure chemical
impurely adverb

Medical Definition

impure

adjective
im·​pure (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇(ə)r How to pronounce impure (audio)
: not pure: as
a
: containing something unclean
impure water
b
: mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance : adulterated
an impure chemical

More from Merriam-Webster on impure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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