methyl

noun

meth·​yl ˈme-thəl 

: an alkyl radical CH₃ derived from methane

methylic

mə-ˈthi-lik 

adjective

Examples of methyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two non-acetone solvents (propylene carbonate and methyl soyate) in the alcohol-free formula quickly break up color, shimmer, and chunky glitter with each swipe. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026

The dietary interventions included the Mediterranean diet, ketogenic diet, and omega-3 and methyl-donor supplements, including B12, folate, choline, and methionine. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 2 Apr. 2026

Astronomers previously detected the methyl cation (CH₃⁺) there, a molecule that plays an important role in organic chemical reactions in space. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026

Temozolomide—the standard of care for glioblastoma—works by depositing a methyl group onto the DNA of cells, specifically on guanine, one of DNA’s four base molecules. —Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, back-formation from methylene

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methyl

• methyl acetate
• methyl alcohol
• methyl bromide
• methyl chloroform
• methyl ethyl ketone
• methyl isocyanate
• methyl methacrylate
• methyl orange
• methyl parathion

Rhymes for methyl

• ethel
• ethyl
• chloroethyl
• chloromethyl
• monomethyl
• diethyl
• dimethyl
• tetraethyl
• trimethyl
• hydroxyethyl

Kids Definition

methyl

noun

meth·​yl ˈmeth-əl 

: a chemical group consisting of carbon and hydrogen

Medical Definition

methyl

noun

meth·​yl

ˈmeth-əl, British also ˈmē-ˌthīl

: an alkyl group CH₃ that is derived from methane by removal of one hydrogen atom

methylic

mə-ˈthil-ik 

adjective