collagen

noun

col·​la·​gen ˈkä-lə-jən 

: any of a group of fibrous proteins that occur in vertebrates as the chief constituent of connective tissue fibrils and in bones and yield gelatin and glue upon boiling with water

collagenous

kə-ˈla-jə-nəs 

adjective

Examples of collagen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The formula includes patchouli leaf extract to calm skin and reduce redness, while green coffee oil is said to support collagen production to help firm up your skin. — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 7 July 2026

Designed to help renew and revive skin, paired with skin-lifting actives and anti-wrinkle peptides that penetrate the skin’s surface to boost collagen, even texture, and smooth fine lines. — ABC News, 6 July 2026

Among my favorite finds, there’s a collagen-boosting serum from Medicube, eyelet maxi dress that can be worn to brunch and the office, and a cordless Shark vacuum that makes quick work of pet messes. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

This serum is great for fading dark spots, boosting collagen production, and fighting visible signs of aging like fine lines and dullness. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek kolla + International Scientific Vocabulary -gen

First Known Use

circa 1865, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

collagen

noun

col·​la·​gen ˈkäl-ə-jən 

: a protein that occurs in the form of fibers, does not dissolve, is found in connective tissue, and forms glue and gelatin upon boiling with water

Medical Definition

collagen

noun

col·​la·​gen ˈkäl-ə-jən 

: an insoluble fibrous protein of vertebrates that is the chief constituent of the fibrils of connective tissue (as in skin and tendons) and of the organic substance of bones and yields gelatin and glue on prolonged heating with water

collagenic

ˌkäl-ə-ˈjen-ik 

adjective

collagenous

kə-ˈlaj-ə-nəs 

adjective