noun
Uncommon
neon
NEE-on
Neon (noun) means a chemical element (symbol Ne) — a colorless, odorless noble gas that glows reddish-orange when electrified. Example: “Neon is used to fill the glass tubes in old-fashioned signs.”
noun
1
A chemical element (symbol Ne) — a colorless, odorless noble gas that glows reddish-orange when electrified.
"Neon is used to fill the glass tubes in old-fashioned signs."
2
Neon signs or lights collectively, or the glowing light they produce.
"The diner's neon buzzed softly above the door."
adj
1
Extremely bright or fluorescent in color, like a neon light.
"She wore neon pink sneakers that seemed to glow in the dark."
How to use neon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gas known for glowing brightly in signs, and by extension a word for very bright, vivid colors.
Common pairings
neon lights
neon sign
neon colors
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Word forms
- Plural
- neons
Fill the gap
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_____ is used to fill the glass tubes in old-fashioned signs.
Etymology
From Greek neon, meaning "new" — named because it was a newly discovered element when identified in 1898.
Class of 1898
neon joined the language around 1898.
See the full Class of 1898 →
Synonyms
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Rhymes for neon
See all rhymes for neon →Frequently asked questions
What does “neon” mean?
The word “neon” means a chemical element (symbol Ne) — a colorless, odorless noble gas that glows reddish-orange when electrified. In plain terms, a gas known for glowing brightly in signs, and by extension a word for very bright, vivid colors.
How do you pronounce “neon”?
“Neon” is pronounced NEE-on (/ˈniˌɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “neon” in a sentence?
Here is “neon” used in a sentence: “Neon is used to fill the glass tubes in old-fashioned signs.”
What part of speech is “neon”?
Depending on how it is used, “neon” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “neon” come from?
The word “neon” dates back to around 1898 and comes from Greek. From Greek neon, meaning "new" — named because it was a newly discovered element when identified in 1898.
Is “neon” a common word?
“Neon” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “neon” have?
“Neon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a chemical element (symbol Ne) — a colorless, odorless noble gas that glows reddish-orange when electrified.
What is the difference between neon the gas and neon the color?
Neon the gas is a colorless, odorless chemical element that glows reddish-orange when electrified, commonly used in signage. Neon as a color term describes any extremely bright, fluorescent shade, such as neon green or neon pink, which is a figurative extension of the glowing light neon signs produce.
Why are neon signs called neon even when they aren't red or orange?
The term neon sign became a general name for gas-discharge lighting used in advertising, even though many such signs use other noble gases or coatings to produce different colors. The word neon stuck as a catch-all term for this style of glowing tube lighting.
Is neon a noble gas?
Yes, neon (symbol Ne) is classified as a noble gas, meaning it is colorless, odorless, and largely unreactive under normal conditions. It is best known for the reddish-orange glow it produces when electrified inside signage tubes.
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