silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsi-lə-ˌkōn 

plural silicones

: any of various synthetic polymers that are manufactured in various forms (such as elastomer, resin, oil, and gel), that are used in a variety of applications (such as electronic components, medical devices, bakeware, automotive engine parts, and construction sealants), that are characterized especially by chemical inertness, water repellency, and resistance to ultraviolet light and extreme heat, and that have flexible silicon and oxygen bonds in the backbone (see backbone sense 2c)

Instead of greasing, you can line the cookie sheets with parchment paper or a baking mat made from silicone …

—Suzanne Boyle

For concerns about traveling with anything wet … look for heavy-duty reusable bags made from silicone, which is not compostable but can be reused more frequently than a plastic bag.

—Mindy Sink

Every other year or so, it's important to seal these cracks with rubber silicone …

—Ken Moon

—often used before another noun

You can keep your garage door operating smoothly by lubricating the tracks with a small amount of silicone spray.

—Angie Hicks

… surgery filled the tear in the eye with silicone oil to keep the shape and give the retina a chance to reattach at the back of the eye.

—Mike Wilson

see also silicone rubber

Examples of silicone in a Sentence

a prosthesis made of silicone

Recent Examples on the Web

And unlike other utensils with plastic or silicone handles, each tool is constructed entirely from stainless steel with an ergonomic grip. — Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026

Foam or silicone earplugs reduce noise 20 to 30 decibels, which is enough to bring 40 to 60 dB snoring below the arousal threshold, according to an article for Superpower. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

Foam or silicone earplugs cut noise by 20 to 30 decibels, enough to bring 40 to 60 dB snoring below the arousal threshold, according to Superpower. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Each spatula has a stainless steel core underneath the silicone, which keeps it from bending or snapping the way a plastic one might, and is both dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

silicon + -one

First Known Use

1944, 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