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
The lightweight gel texture of Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask allows its niacinamide and squalane-powered formula to seep in quickly, needing only five minutes at most to fully absorb and leave your skin with not a trace of stickiness behind. — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 2025 Nail hardeners, cuticle moisturizers, base coats, and protective polish are all nail treatments that are easy to use and even can be formulated to treat specific issues, such as repairing brittle nails from UV gel damage, improving the nails’ surface and texture, and more. — Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
There were some promising moments in that Overwatch demo, such as when Copilot suggested a new hero selection that gelled well with both the player's current teammates and the player's play history on the current map. — Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025 Men’s Pro Doubles Recap After weeks of top players dancing around new partners, and more than two months removed from the big Johns brothers split up, this event finally seems to have the top teams gelled and competing. — Todd Boss, Forbes, 25 Feb. 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 10 Apr. 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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