cellophane

noun

cel·​lo·​phane ˈse-lə-ˌfān 

: regenerated cellulose in thin transparent sheets used especially for packaging

Examples of cellophane in a Sentence

He wrapped the gift basket in cellophane.

Recent Examples on the Web

Use a red-light flashlight or headlamp—or cover your white light in red cellophane—to preserve your night vision in the field. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 13 Feb. 2025

As a corrido played in the background, Panfilo Maldonado and Juan Aleman worked silently, efficiently, opening boxes, spilling bundles over a long table, stripping out the cellophane. —Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024

The cellophane insulates the plant from temperature changes that can happen while it’s being transported from the nursery to the store and from the store to your house. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024

If packaging your apples in cellophane bags, transfer to a larger airtight container for extra insurance. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from cellulose + -phane (as in diaphane diaphanous, from Medieval Latin diaphanus)

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cellophane

• cellophane noodle

Rhymes for cellophane

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane
• hyperplane

Kids Definition

cellophane

noun

cel·​lo·​phane ˈsel-ə-ˌfān 

: a thin transparent material made from cellulose and used as a wrapping