gel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; technical in scientific contexts.
Quick answer
What does “gel” mean?
a thick, smooth, semi-solid substance that wobbles, often clear or colored, used for styling hair, in cooking, or for scientific purposes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a thick, smooth, semi-solid substance that wobbles, often clear or colored, used for styling hair, in cooking, or for scientific purposes.
A state or process of becoming firm, cohesive, or settled; to start working well together as a group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'hair gel' is very common. The verb sense 'to gel' (meaning to work well together) is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, 'gel' as a substance is neutral. As a verb for group cohesion, it is positive.
Frequency
The noun is high-frequency for product context. The verb is medium-frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “gel” in a Sentence
S V (intransitive): The team finally gelled.S V O (transitive, rare/technical): The chemist gelled the solution.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The players gelled brilliantly in the second half.
- Our plans for the holiday haven't quite gelled yet.
American English
- The band really gelled during their tour.
- It took a while for the project team to gel.
adverb
British English
- This product dries gel-fast.
American English
- The mixture set gel-quick.
adjective
British English
- She bought a gel-based deodorant.
- The gel ink flowed smoothly.
American English
- He prefers gel toothpaste.
- The gel mattress topper was very comfortable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new management team needs time to gel.
Academic
The agarose gel was used to separate the DNA fragments.
Everyday
I need some gel to keep my hair in place.
Technical
The polymer solution will gel at room temperature.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gel”
- Using 'gel' as a countable noun for the cohesive process (e.g., 'We achieved a gel' is wrong).
- Misspelling as 'jell' when referring to the substance (US/UK 'gel' is standard for the product).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday English, 'jelly' (UK) or 'Jell-O' (US) is a food. 'Gel' is a broader scientific and cosmetic term. In science, they can be similar materials.
For the verb meaning 'to take shape' or 'cohere', 'jell' is an accepted US variant spelling, but 'gel' is more common globally. For the noun (hair gel, etc.), always use 'gel'.
As a noun for a substance, it is neutral. The verb ('to gel') is slightly informal but common in business and team contexts.
A gel is typically clear, water-based, and not greasy. An ointment is oily, opaque, and forms a barrier on the skin.
a thick, smooth, semi-solid substance that wobbles, often clear or colored, used for styling hair, in cooking, or for scientific purposes.
Gel: in British English it is pronounced /dʒel/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gel with someone/something (to have a good relationship or work well with)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'JELL-O' (a brand of jelly dessert) – both wobble and are semi-solid.
Conceptual Metaphor
COHESION IS SOLIDIFICATION (e.g., 'The plan is starting to gel').
Practice
Quiz
In a laboratory context, 'to run a gel' most likely means: