noun

kleenex

KLEE-nehks

Kleenex (noun) means a disposable paper tissue, from the brand name. Example: “Grab a Kleenex, you're about to sneeze.”

noun

A disposable paper tissue, from the brand name.

"Grab a Kleenex, you're about to sneeze."

How to use kleenex

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tissue — the brand name has become the everyday word for the product itself, much like Hoover or Band-Aid.

When to use it

Technically a trademark, but used generically in everyday speech.

Word forms

kleenexes plural, kleenices plural

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Grab a _____, you're about to sneeze.

Etymology

From the trademark Kleenex, registered by the company now known as Kimberly-Clark in the mid-1920s. The name blends "clean" with the suffix seen in brand names like "Cutex."

· First attested 1920

Class of 1920 kleenex joined the language around 1920.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “kleenex” mean?

The word “kleenex” means a disposable paper tissue, from the brand name. In plain terms, a tissue — the brand name has become the everyday word for the product itself, much like Hoover or Band-Aid.

How do you pronounce “kleenex”?

“Kleenex” is pronounced KLEE-nehks (/ˈkli.nɛks/ in IPA).

How do you use “kleenex” in a sentence?

Here is “kleenex” used in a sentence: “Grab a Kleenex, you're about to sneeze.”

What part of speech is “kleenex”?

“Kleenex” is a noun.

Where does the word “kleenex” come from?

The word “kleenex” dates back to around 1920. From the trademark Kleenex, registered by the company now known as Kimberly-Clark in the mid-1920s. The name blends "clean" with the suffix seen in brand names like "Cutex.".

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