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

Certain beauty and skincare essentials aren’t conducive to being poured into reusable bottles, but for the ones that are—like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and face wash—refillable silicone bottles save an enormous amount of space in a toiletry bag. —Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026

The formula pairs lightweight silicones with skin-care ingredients that gently treat hair and scalp over time. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026

The brightening and blurring properties come from bismuth oxychloride, a mineral that adds a light-reflecting luminous finish, and silicones that create the illusion of blurred skin. —Essence Wiley, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026

This silicone brush offers more than 7,000 vibrations per minute to remove dirt, oil, and other debris from deep inside your pores. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 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