superglue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral; common in everyday and DIY contexts.
Quick answer
What does “superglue” mean?
An extremely strong, fast-drying adhesive, often based on cyanoacrylate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An extremely strong, fast-drying adhesive, often based on cyanoacrylate.
To fix or bind something very firmly, often in a figurative sense; something that holds things together with great strength, literally or metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Spelling is consistently 'superglue' (one word). The brand name 'Super Glue' (two words) is common in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations of strong, permanent, and sometimes messy bonding.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “superglue” in a Sentence
[Someone] superglues [something] (to [something])[Something] is superglued [together/to something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “superglue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll need to superglue the handle back onto the mug.
- He superglued his fingers together by mistake.
American English
- She superglued the model airplane's wing in place.
- Be careful not to superglue the cap to the tube.
adverb
British English
- The pieces were stuck superglue-tight.
American English
- It was bonded superglue-fast.
adjective
British English
- It was a superglue repair that held for years.
- A superglue bond is very difficult to reverse.
American English
- We need a superglue solution for this broken part.
- He has a superglue-like grip on the remote.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in manufacturing or retail contexts for the product.
Academic
Rare; specific to materials science or chemistry discussions of adhesives.
Everyday
Common for household repairs, DIY, and crafts.
Technical
Used in engineering, modelling, and repair manuals to specify a cyanoacrylate adhesive.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “superglue”
- Using it as a mass noun for liquid glue ('a superglue' is correct for a tube).
- Misspelling as two words when not referring to the brand ('super glue').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While 'Super Glue' is a trademarked brand name in some regions, the term 'superglue' (one word) is widely used generically for fast-acting cyanoacrylate adhesives.
Yes, but it is not recommended. Cyanoacrylate bonds skin instantly. If this happens, soak the area in warm, soapy water and gently peel or roll the skin apart; do not pull. Acetone (nail polish remover) can also help dissolve the bond.
It works best on non-porous materials like metal, plastic, ceramic, and rubber. It does not work well on porous surfaces like paper or untreated wood, and it can fog clear plastics.
Yes. Superglue (cyanoacrylate) is a thin, fast-setting, single-component adhesive. Epoxy is typically a two-part resin and hardener mixture that sets slower, fills gaps better, and often creates a stronger, more durable bond for heavier loads.
An extremely strong, fast-drying adhesive, often based on cyanoacrylate.
Superglue is usually informal to neutral; common in everyday and diy contexts. in register.
Superglue: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpəɡluː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpərɡluː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “superglued to (figurative: unable to leave or look away from)”
- “like superglue (sticking very closely)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPERman uses GLUE to fix anything because it's SUPER strong GLUE.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS ADHESION (e.g., 'The team was superglued together').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary chemical basis of most superglues?