silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsi-lə-ˌkōn 

: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants, varnishes, binders, and electric insulators

Examples of silicone in a Sentence

a prosthesis made of silicone

Recent Examples on the Web

This set by Home Hero comes with 32 pieces made of rust-resistant stainless steel and food-grade silicone. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026

The best designs are mindful of factors like drainage to prevent mushiness and use materials that won’t cling to your soap (ceramic and silicone, for example). —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2026

This 11-piece Carote nonstick cookware set includes two frying pans, a saute pan, two saucepans, two fridge storage lids, two silicone lids and two removable handles that can be attached to different pieces in the set with just the click of a button. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Look for brands that formulate their attachments with heat-resistant materials such as nylon, ceramic, or silicone. —Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

silicon + -one

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicone

• silicone rubber

Rhymes for silicone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn 

: any of various silicon compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen, are obtained as oily or greasy substances or plastics, and are used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants and varnishes

Medical Definition

silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn 

: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds which are obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and some of which have been used as surgical implants