methyl

noun

meth·​yl ˈme-thəl 

: an alkyl radical CH₃ derived from methane

methylic

mə-ˈthi-lik 

adjective

Examples of methyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After this phase, the sugar is linked to a methyl group (CH3), forming a type of methylglucoside. — Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 1 Feb. 2026

Two non-acetone solvents (propylene carbonate and methyl soyate) in the alcohol-free formula quickly break up color, shimmer, and chunky glitter with each swipe. — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026

Firefighters began spraying the tank down with water in order to cool the chemical within the tank, which is methyl Methacrylate, a toxic and highly flammable liquid chemical. — Sean Emery, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

Artificial Grape Deterrent Birds find the compound methyl anthranilate unpleasant. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 24 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, back-formation from methylene

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methyl

• methyl acetate
• methyl alcohol
• methyl bromide
• methyl chloroform
• methyl ethyl ketone
• methyl isocyanate
• methyl methacrylate
• methyl orange
• methyl parathion

Rhymes for methyl

• ethel
• ethyl
• chloroethyl
• chloromethyl
• monomethyl
• tetramethyl
• diethyl
• dimethyl
• tetraethyl
• trimethyl
• hydroxyethyl
• hydroxymethyl

Kids Definition

methyl

noun

meth·​yl ˈmeth-əl 

: a chemical group consisting of carbon and hydrogen

Medical Definition

methyl

noun

meth·​yl

ˈmeth-əl, British also ˈmē-ˌthīl

: an alkyl group CH₃ that is derived from methane by removal of one hydrogen atom

methylic

mə-ˈthil-ik 

adjective