gel

1 of 2

noun

ˈjel 

plural gels

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 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• clot
• coagulate
• congeal
• gelate
• gelatinize
• jell
• jelly
• set

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

Noun

Complete with at-home gel manicure essentials, this kit features (drum roll…) a base coat, topcoat, acetone-free polish remover, removal clips, lamp, and satin green polish for less than $90 (a win for your wallet, too). —Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 Nov. 2024

The service finishes with a cooling gel application, followed by gentle, heated towel compresses. —Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

Do some team members gel better with your EA than others? —Kenzie Biggins, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

That movement gelled into the Make Elections Fair Arizona Act, now on the ballot as Proposition 140. —Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 12 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing gel

• gel electrophoresis
• gel ice
• gel permeation chromatography
• hair gel
• hand gel
• shower gel
• silica gel

Kids Definition

gel

1 of 2 noun

ˈjel 

: 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 

: 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 

adjective