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.
Water could be contaminated with chemicals and raw sewage, and gas and propane lines could be broken, among other hazards. — Anna Wilder, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 For colder months, a fire pit or propane heater stored and used safely, plus heated blankets, can keep the area in play. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 For year-round use, add shade with sail shades, pergolas or umbrellas, and plan for cold weather with a fire pit or propane heater (stored and used safely) plus heated blankets. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 Some of his customers have asked about converting their heating systems to propane or natural gas. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 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 27 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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