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
Also called alkenes, the most important examples in industry include ethylene and propylene.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
The riverbank and associated wetlands were filled for further industrial expansion over years, using soil, building materials and waste from the production of soda ash and propylene oxide, known as distiller blow off.
—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 13 May 2025
Currently, about 15% to 20% of the pyrolysis products are recycled into new propylene and ethylene, while most – about 80% to 85% – becomes diesel fuel, hydrogen, methane and other chemicals.
—Alexander Kaplitz, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025
To make plastic, petroleum refineries isolate hydrocarbons and then crack those hydrocarbons into even smaller compounds like ethylene or propylene.
—Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propylene
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
The riverbank and associated wetlands were filled for further industrial expansion over years, using soil, building materials and waste from the production of soda ash and propylene oxide, known as distiller blow off.
—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 13 May 2025
Currently, about 15% to 20% of the pyrolysis products are recycled into new propylene and ethylene, while most – about 80% to 85% – becomes diesel fuel, hydrogen, methane and other chemicals.
—Alexander Kaplitz, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025
To make plastic, petroleum refineries isolate hydrocarbons and then crack those hydrocarbons into even smaller compounds like ethylene or propylene.
—Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propylene
Cite this Entry
“Propylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylene. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
