halogen

1 of 2

noun

hal·​o·​gen ˈha-lə-jən 

: any of the five elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine that form part of group VIIA of the periodic table and exist in the free state normally as diatomic molecules

halogenous

ha-ˈlä-jə-nəs 

adjective

halogen

2 of 2

adjective

: containing, using, or being a halogen

a halogen lamp

Examples of halogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Speaking of light, the lamp uses a 50-watt halogen light bulb to slowly melt the candle and illuminate their space with gentle, ambient lighting. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 June 2025

This has all happened before: European drivers enjoyed halogen headlights for roughly a decade before NHTSA finally approved them in 1983. —IEEE Spectrum, 6 May 2015

Adjective

While halogen filaments deliver 360-degree illumination, LED bulbs typically emit light with a pair of back-to-back 180-degree planes. —Daniel Gray, Ars Technica, 16 Mar. 2020

On Home Depot’s website, the group found different prices quoted for paint, light bulbs, toilet paper, caulk guns, halogen floor lamps, screwdrivers and more. —Levi Sumagaysay, The Mercury News, 25 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Swedish, from hal- + -gen

First Known Use

Noun

1842, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

halogen

1 of 2 noun

hal·​o·​gen ˈhal-ə-jən 

: any of the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine

halogen

2 of 2 adjective

: containing, using, or being a halogen

a halogen lamp

Medical Definition

halogen

noun

halo·​gen ˈhal-ə-jən 

: any of the five elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine that form part of group VII A of the periodic table and exist in the free state normally as diatomic molecules

halogenous

ha-ˈläj-ə-nəs 

adjective