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

Blend kefir, unflavored collagen peptides, frozen fruit (mango, berries, banana, or a combination), and coconut water until smooth. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026

Bone broth Bone broth provides electrolytes for hydration and contains natural collagen and minerals to soothe a sensitive digestive system. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026

So the hyaluronic acid fillers directly provide more volume, and then the biostimulatory fillers help boost collagen. —Iyana Robertson, Flow Space, 10 Mar. 2026

The golf phenom was referring to Hailey Bieber’s $21 strawberry concoction that’s packed with collagen and sea moss to make your skin glow. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek kolla + International Scientific Vocabulary -gen

First Known Use

circa 1865, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for collagen

• procollagen

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