halogen

1 of 2

noun

hal·o·gen ˈha-lə-jən

: any of the five elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine that form part of group VIIA of the periodic table and exist in the free state normally as diatomic molecules

halogenous

ha-ˈlä-jə-nəs

adjective

halogen

2 of 2

adjective

: containing, using, or being a halogen

a halogen lamp

Examples of halogen 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.

Noun

Contrasted with the wildfire smoke, the plume from the LA fire contained 50 times more lead, three times more arsenic, and seven times more halogens. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 But most older cars have halogen lights, which have bulbs that emit a lot of heat and can cause burns, the website said. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Adjective

While halogen filaments deliver 360-degree illumination, LED bulbs typically emit light with a pair of back-to-back 180-degree planes. — Daniel Gray, Ars Technica, 16 Mar. 2020 On Home Depot’s website, the group found different prices quoted for paint, light bulbs, toilet paper, caulk guns, halogen floor lamps, screwdrivers and more. — Levi Sumagaysay, The Mercury News, 25 June 2019 See All Example Sentences for halogen

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Swedish, from hal- + -gen

First Known Use

Noun

1842, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of halogen was in 1842

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

haloform

halogen

halogenate

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Halogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halogen. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

halogen

1 of 2 noun

hal·o·gen ˈhal-ə-jən

: any of the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine

halogen

2 of 2 adjective

: containing, using, or being a halogen

a halogen lamp

Medical Definition

halogen

noun

halo·gen ˈhal-ə-jən

: any of the five elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine that form part of group VII A of the periodic table and exist in the free state normally as diatomic molecules

halogenous

ha-ˈläj-ə-nəs

adjective

halogen

noun

adjective

Examples of halogen in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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