conditioner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Everyday, Consumer, Technical
Quick answer
What does “conditioner” mean?
A substance applied to hair after washing to improve its texture and manageability.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance applied to hair after washing to improve its texture and manageability.
Any substance, device, or agent used to improve, maintain, or restore a particular condition of something (e.g., fabric, air, physical state).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'conditioner' for laundry is often called 'fabric conditioner'. In US English, it's more commonly called 'fabric softener'.
Connotations
Neutral/product-oriented. In fitness contexts, can imply preparatory or restorative training.
Frequency
High frequency for hair care product; medium frequency for other uses with modifiers.
Grammar
How to Use “conditioner” in a Sentence
NOUN + conditioner (e.g., hair conditioner)VERB + conditioner (e.g., apply the conditioner)PREP + conditioner (e.g., bottle of conditioner)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to products in the beauty/personal care or appliance industry.
Academic
Used in chemistry or material science for substances that alter physical properties.
Everyday
Overwhelmingly refers to hair care product.
Technical
Can refer to a chemical additive (e.g., soil conditioner, coolant conditioner).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conditioner”
- Using 'conditioner' to mean 'air conditioner' without the 'air' prefix.
- Saying 'I put conditioner in my hair' (ambiguous) instead of 'I applied conditioner to my hair'.
- Confusing 'conditioner' (noun) with 'to condition' (verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but 'conditioner' by itself most commonly means a hair product. For other uses, a modifier is usually needed (e.g., fabric conditioner, air conditioner).
They are largely synonymous, but 'fabric conditioner' is more common in UK English, while 'fabric softener' is more common in US English.
No, 'conditioner' is only a noun. The related verb is 'to condition'.
'Conditioner' is exclusively a noun (a count noun).
A substance applied to hair after washing to improve its texture and manageability.
Conditioner is usually everyday, consumer, technical in register.
Conditioner: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdɪʃ(ə)nə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdɪʃənər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In good condition”
- “Condition of the sale”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a condition-er as something that *puts* hair (or another thing) *in good condition*.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUBSTANCE IS A TRAINER/RESTORER (it trains/restores hair/fabric to be in good condition).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'conditioner' LEAST likely to be used correctly on its own?