What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poultice
Example
The nurse applied a poultice of warm herbs to the patient's chest to relieve congestion. [poultice: noun]
Example
She poulticed the wound with a mixture of honey and turmeric to promote healing. [poulticed: verb]
compress
Example
The athlete applied a cold compress to his sprained ankle to reduce swelling. [compress: noun]
Example
She compressed the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. [compressed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compress is more commonly used than poultice in everyday language. Compress is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while poultice is less common and refers to a specific type of remedy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poultice and compress?
Both poultice and compress are associated with a formal tone and are typically used in medical or therapeutic contexts.
