cellophane

noun

cel·​lo·​phane ˈse-lə-ˌfān 

: regenerated cellulose in thin transparent sheets used especially for packaging

Examples of cellophane in a Sentence

He wrapped the gift basket in cellophane.

Recent Examples on the Web

Orange peels, shrimp shells and other natural waste is being turned into film that can be used like cellophane, or made into bags. —Kim Severson, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024

One of those quick gift ideas is a dark or milk chocolate Grab N Go Bag ($24.95), a collection of strawberry gumdrops, M&M’s chocolate bark, nonpareils and a box of artisan chocolates wrapped in cellophane and tied with a satin ribbon. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2024

However, when unboxing the Saks package – which was covered in cellophane – Bailey had a jump scare. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 7 Feb. 2024

Film formers are a bit like a cellophane wrapper that locks the whole formula in place. —Maura Lynch, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023

Floral tributes were piled densely against the palace’s gate, forming a moat of cellophane and decomposing petals. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2023

These notices were distributed by an unauthorized campus group and were attached using toxic and petroleum-based cellophane tape. —Heather Wilhelm, National Review, 9 Nov. 2023

Noodles packaged in yellow cellophane, to resemble egg noodles, were displayed alongside noodles in honest, untinted wrapping. —Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023

Her stiff fingers struggled to unwrap cellophane from candy. —Lexi Pandell, WIRED, 31 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

French, from cellulose + -phane (as in diaphane diaphanous, from Medieval Latin diaphanus)

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cellophane

• cellophane noodle

Kids Definition

cellophane

noun

cel·​lo·​phane ˈsel-ə-ˌfān 

: a thin transparent material made from cellulose and used as a wrapping