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
1
A disposable paper tissue, from the brand name.
"Could you hand me a kleenex? My nose is running."
"Grab a Kleenex, you're about to sneeze."
How to use kleenex
Learner’s notesIn 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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- kleenexes, kleenices
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Class of 1920
kleenex joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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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