propylene

noun

pro·​pyl·​ene ˈprō-pə-ˌlēn 

: a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C₃H₆ obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

Examples of propylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So ethylene, propylene, a lot of the aromatics, also ship out of that region. —Robert Ferris, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026

Some of the most important petrochemical building blocks include chemicals such as ethylene, propylene and benzene. —André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026

Among other work, the article describes lab experiments focused on maximizing output of ethylene and propylene—the building blocks of polyethylene and polypropylene plastics. —Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026

Also called alkenes, the most important examples in industry include ethylene and propylene. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing propylene

• propylene glycol

Rhymes for propylene

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Medical Definition

propylene

noun

pro·​pyl·​ene ˈprō-pə-ˌlēn 

: a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C₃H₆ obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

called also propene