propane

noun

pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gaseous alkane C3H8 found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in chemical synthesis

Examples of propane 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.
The modern cabin has heated concrete floors and a propane fireplace for staying snug inside, while outside, there’s a fire pit and a soaking tub. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026 Tetra Images | Photodisc | Getty Images Americans who heat their homes with oil are expected to face sharply higher costs this winter, even as households that rely on natural gas or propane may get some relief. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 Enjoy a meal al fresco on this outdoor tablecloth or take this propane stove on a weekend camping trip. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026 In a separate attack on propane appliances (which oddly is a less harmful alternative to natural gas in many ways not protected by this constitutional amendment), the state mandated strict emissions guidelines only to quickly roll them back. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for propane

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary prop- + -ane

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propane was in 1867

Rhymes for propane

See All Rhymes for propane

Browse Nearby Words

propanal
propane
propanil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Propane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propane. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

propane

noun
pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gas found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in the chemical industry

Medical Definition

propane

noun
pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gaseous alkane C3H8 found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in chemical synthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on propane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about propane

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