silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsi-lə-ˌkōn How to pronounce silicone (audio)
: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants, varnishes, binders, and electric insulators

Examples of silicone in a Sentence

a prosthesis made of silicone
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.
These may be rubber or silicone, with the latter generally being the most comfortable and least likely to cause skin irritation. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Or, grab a silicone bottle boot to keep your Freesip from tipping over or sliding off the counter, or some cleaning tablets to keep your bottle in tip-top shape. — Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 However, not all silicone products have the same tolerance for heat. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 Because one size doesn’t fit all, Beats includes four silicone tip sizes to help create a more personal, comfortable seal in your ears. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for silicone

Word History

Etymology

silicon + -one

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silicone was in 1943

Phrases Containing silicone

Rhymes for silicone

See All Rhymes for silicone

Browse Nearby Words

silicon dioxide
silicone
silicone rubber
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silicone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicone. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

silicone

noun
sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn How to pronounce silicone (audio)
: any of various silicon compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen, are obtained as oily or greasy substances or plastics, and are used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants and varnishes

Medical Definition

silicone

noun
sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn How to pronounce silicone (audio)
: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds which are obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and some of which have been used as surgical implants

More from Merriam-Webster on silicone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silicone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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