jell

[ jel ]

verb (used without object)

1. to congeal; become jellylike in consistency.
2. to become clear, substantial, or definite; crystallize:

   The plan began to jell once we all met to discuss it.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to jell.

jell

/ dʒɛl /

verb

1. to make or become gelatinous; congeal
2. intr to assume definite form

   his ideas have jelled

noun

1. an informal word for jelly 1

Other Words From

• half-jelled adjective
• un·jelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jell¹

First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from jelly

Word History and Origins

Origin of jell¹

C19: back formation from jelly ¹

Example Sentences

Spencer Rattler isn’t likely to roll into Los Angeles and beat the Chargers, who are slowly starting to jell as a team under Jim Harbaugh.

From Los Angeles Times

The reality they are facing, however, is that there is no substitute for learning to jell together.

From Seattle Times

“Pre-COVID, it was really jelling,” he said of the financial district.

From Los Angeles Times

The offensive line, which tried to add three transfers to the starting unit, never jelled.

From Los Angeles Times

“They’re starting to jell at the right time, and what I tell young kids every year is that it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” Bethea said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• crystallize
• materialize