chlorinate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Formal in general use; Everyday when referring to pools.
Quick answer
What does “chlorinate” mean?
To treat or sterilize something (especially water or a swimming pool) by adding chlorine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To treat or sterilize something (especially water or a swimming pool) by adding chlorine.
To introduce chlorine into a compound as part of a chemical process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling variations follow standard patterns (e.g., chlorinate vs. chlorinate).
Connotations
Neutral/technical in both. In everyday contexts, strongly associated with swimming pool maintenance.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, given the shared technological and domestic contexts (water treatment, pools).
Grammar
How to Use “chlorinate” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] chlorinates [OBJ] (The council chlorinates the water)[OBJ] be chlorinated (The water is chlorinated)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chlorinate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The local works must chlorinate the reservoir weekly.
- Remember to chlorinate the hot tub after heavy use.
American English
- The city chlorinates the drinking water for safety.
- We need to chlorinate the pool before the party.
adverb
British English
- [Standard form 'chlorinatedly' is virtually non-existent and not used.]
American English
- [Standard form 'chlorinatedly' is virtually non-existent and not used.]
adjective
British English
- The chlorinated pool water stung his eyes.
- We only use chlorinated water in the cooling system.
American English
- She disliked the smell of chlorinated water.
- Chlorinated solvents are used in the process.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to municipal water treatment processes and costs.
Academic
Used in chemistry, environmental science, and public health literature.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used regarding swimming pool maintenance.
Technical
Precise term in chemistry (e.g., to chlorinate an organic compound) and water engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chlorinate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chlorinate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chlorinate”
- Incorrect: *'They need to chlorine the pool.' Correct: 'They need to chlorinate the pool.'
- Spelling: confusing 'chlorinate' with 'chlorine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but in chemistry it can refer to adding chlorine to any compound.
'Chlorine' is the chemical element (noun). 'Chlorinate' is the action of adding that chemical (verb).
In regulated amounts, yes. Municipal water is chlorinated to kill harmful bacteria, making it safe for consumption.
No, it is specific to chlorine. For similar actions with other agents, use 'disinfect', 'sanitize', or 'sterilize'.
To treat or sterilize something (especially water or a swimming pool) by adding chlorine.
Chlorinate is usually technical/formal in general use; everyday when referring to pools. in register.
Chlorinate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːrɪneɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːrəneɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly from 'chlorinate']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHLORINE + -ATE (to make). You make water safe by adding chlorine.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURIFICATION IS ADDING A CHEMICAL AGENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of chlorinating water?