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

The gel formed a three-micrometre-thick layer of enamel, according to the group. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025

Whipped into a rich gel that resembles honey, the mask pairs manuka honey with white tea for a nourishing salve designed to boost moisture levels, prevent shedding, and restore curls to their full potential. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

The aesthetic is impeccable but my brain did not gel at all with its tough puzzles. —Kris Holt, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

The trailer starts, as always, in better times, when the group gelled and all got along. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 18 Dec. 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