cellophane

noun

cel·​lo·​phane ˈse-lə-ˌfān 

: regenerated cellulose in thin transparent sheets used especially for packaging

Examples of cellophane in a Sentence

He wrapped the gift basket in cellophane.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lay the items out neatly, wrap the basket in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026

Wrap the whole thing with clear cellophane and ribbon. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

One gown mimics the hard shimmer of latex; another looks as crackly and translucent as cellophane. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026

According to a press release from the brand's parent company, Bel Group, the cheee company will implement a global rollout that will gradually replace Babybel’s outer cellophane wrap with recyclable paper packaging. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from cellulose + -phane (as in diaphane diaphanous, from Medieval Latin diaphanus)

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cellophane

• cellophane noodle

Rhymes for cellophane

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane
• hyperplane

Kids Definition

cellophane

noun

cel·​lo·​phane ˈsel-ə-ˌfān 

: a thin transparent material made from cellulose and used as a wrapping