adhesive

noun

1

: an adhesive substance (such as glue or cement)

2

: a postage stamp with a gummed back

Synonyms of adhesive

• glue

Examples of adhesive in a Sentence

You'll need a strong adhesive to attach the boards.

prefers postage stamps coated with adhesive so that she doesn't have to do any licking

Recent Examples on the Web

Synthetic versions harden even more into a durable, heat-resistant material used in everything from adhesives and coatings to plastics and electronics. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 7 June 2026

Set a damp sponge on a dish, and use it to moisten the adhesive on the envelopes. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 June 2026

Then, lather on the base coat before applying a lacquer — the second step acts as an adhesive to help the polish last longer. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026

Long pool sessions, hot tubs and saunas put extra stress on the adhesive, so an overpatch is worth considering before a beach day or vacation. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

derivative of adhesive entry 1

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing adhesive

• adhesive binding
• adhesive tape
• self-adhesive

Rhymes for adhesive

• cohesive

Kids Definition

adhesive

1 of 2 adjective

ad·​he·​sive ad-ˈhē-siv 

əd-, 

-ziv

: tending to adhere : prepared for adhering

adhesiveness noun

adhesive

2 of 2 noun

: an adhesive substance (as glue or cement)

Medical Definition

adhesive

1 of 2 adjective

ad·​he·​sive -ˈhē-siv  -ziv 

1

a

: tending to adhere or cause adherence

adhesive resins

b

: prepared for adhering

an adhesive bandage

2

: characterized by adhesions

adhesive inflammation

adhesively adverb

adhesive

2 of 2 noun

1

: an adhesive substance

especially : a substance (as glue, starch, paste, or mucilage) that bonds two materials together by adhering to the surface of each

2

: adhesive tape