gel

1 of 2

noun

ˈjel How to pronounce gel (audio)
plural gels
Synonyms of gelnext
1
: a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
broadly : jelly sense 2
2
: a thin colored transparent sheet used over a stage light to color it
3
: a gelatinous preparation: such as
a
: hair gel
b
: hand gel

gel

2 of 2

verb

gelled; gelling

intransitive verb

1
: to change into or take on the form of a gel : set
2
: jell sense 1
gelable
ˈje-lə-bəl How to pronounce gel (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of gel in a Sentence

Verb The mixture will gel as it cools. Our plans are finally starting to gel.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Consider Putty to Pick Up Sand in Tight Spaces Another unique trick for cleaning sand trapped in small, tight, or awkward spaces is to use Silly Putty or Play-Doh to pick up the particles, or sticky cleaning gel. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2025 But these days, the T&N Original Mattress actually does come with cooling gel and graphite inside its layers, so problem solved! — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
Her lips were dressed in pink gloss and her eyebrows were gelled away from her eyes. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 July 2025 The character is described as a thrill-seeker and secret-keeper who may run into trouble gelling with the team's tight dynamics. — Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for gel

Word History

Etymology

Noun

gelatin

First Known Use

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gel was in 1899

Phrases Containing gel

Rhymes for gel

See All Rhymes for gel

Browse Nearby Words

Gekkota
gel
gelada baboon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gel. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

gel

1 of 2 noun
ˈjel How to pronounce gel (audio)
: a solid jellylike colloid (as gelatin dessert)

gel

2 of 2 verb
gelled; gelling
: to change into or take on the form of a gel

Medical Definition

gel

1 of 2 noun
ˈjel How to pronounce gel (audio)
: a colloid in a more solid form than a sol

gel

2 of 2 intransitive verb
gelled; gelling
: to change into or take on the form of a gel
gelable
ˈjel-ə-bəl How to pronounce gel (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gel

Nglish: Translation of gel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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