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

Olay Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin exfoliates with gentle beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) and leaves behind antioxidants (vitamins E and C, niacinamide) and collagen peptides to help skin stay smooth, nourished, and glowing. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026

Five peptides join collagen, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, while PHA gently tackles flaky texture. — Mickey Williams, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2026

By exfoliating skin, smoothing texture and softening fine lines, salicylic acid stimulates collagen production and supports the skin’s natural repair processes. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026

Biodance Bio-collagen Hydrating Overnight Mask $19 at Amazon Korean skincare is all the rage and for good reason. — Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 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