whitening

American  

[hwahyt-n-ing, wahyt-] / ˈʰwaɪt n ɪŋ, ˈwaɪt- /

noun

1. a preparation for making something white; whiting.

2. the act or process of making or turning white.

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Etymology

Origin of whitening

First recorded in 1595–1605; whiten + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"This work offers a safe, at-home teeth whitening strategy integrating whitening, enamel repair and microbiome balance for long-term oral health," says Min Xing, first author on the study.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

At the import expo, it showcased a new whitening toothpaste for the Chinese market, developed at Crest’s Beijing research institute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

Kellie Howson, 54, who lost four teeth after she paid £65 for a whitening treatment at a beauty salon in Lancaster, urged the public to be aware of the dangers.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

In food, calcium phosphate is used as a whitening agent.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

Frost is already whitening the fresh earth on the grave and I think of Theresa cold in the coffin, the red hair, the green eyes.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt