propylene

noun

pro·​pyl·​ene ˈprō-pə-ˌlēn How to pronounce propylene (audio)
: a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C3H6 obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

Examples of propylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Six petrochemicals — ethylene, propylene, butylene, benzene, toluene and xylenes — are the major foundations of plastics and synthetic materials like nylon and polyesters, which manufacturers in turn use to design and deliver products. Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Six petrochemicals - ethylene, propylene, butylene, benzene, toluene and xylenes - are the major foundations of plastics and synthetic materials like nylon and polyesters, which manufacturers in turn use to design and deliver products. CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026 With oil and natural gas markets disrupted by the halt of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, basic chemicals — such as ethylene and propylene, which go into plastics — have become increasingly uncompetitive to produce in Europe. Marilen Martin, Bloomberg, 15 Apr. 2026 Analyst Jeffrey Zekauskas said the prices of two key chemicals, ethylene and propylene, have jumped due to the conflict in the Middle East. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for propylene

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propylene was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Propylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylene. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

propylene

noun
pro·​pyl·​ene ˈprō-pə-ˌlēn How to pronounce propylene (audio)
: a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C3H6 obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

called also propene

More from Merriam-Webster on propylene

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster