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

As the U.S. women’s soccer team tried to jell, the link between veteran Alyssa Naeher and younger stars such as Mallory Swanson was a game changer.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle 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

The character’s motivations don’t jell, and no amount of Swank moxie can make it work.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• crystallize
• materialize