propylene glycol

noun

: a sweet hygroscopic viscous liquid C₃H₈O₂ made especially from propylene and used especially as an antifreeze and solvent, in brake fluids, and as a food preservative

Examples of propylene glycol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Frequent and repeated exposure to propylene glycol can sometimes irritate the skin, per the Center for Disease Control. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

Infused with hydrolyzed silk and propylene glycol for moisture, the ammonia-free shampoo also has wine extract to boost shine and provide antioxidant protection. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2025

Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025

Often the liquid solvent used is propylene glycol — a viscous, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet flavor. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for propylene glycol

• mercaptoethanol
• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball

Medical Definition

propylene glycol

noun

: a sweet hygroscopic viscous liquid C₃H₈O₂ made especially from propylene and used especially as an antifreeze and solvent, in brake fluids, and as a food preservative