carrageenan

noun

car·​ra·​geen·​an ˌker-ə-ˈgē-nən How to pronounce carrageenan (audio)
ˌka-rə-
variants or carrageenin
: a colloid extracted from various red algae (such as Irish moss) and used especially as a stabilizing or thickening agent

Examples of carrageenan 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.
Sodium phosphate and carrageenan are common food additives. — The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026 It is often harvested for its carrageenan, which is used in the food industry as a thickening agent and an emulsifier in products like ice cream and puddings. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 Sep. 2025 Costco noted that the plaintiffs took issue with the ingredients sodium phosphate and carrageenan, calling them preservatives. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 11 June 2026 Made with real cream and no artificial sweeteners, each 52-ounce carton is also carrageenan and hydrogenated oil-free. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for carrageenan

Word History

Etymology

carrageen + -an entry 3 or -in entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carrageenan was circa 1889

Rhymes for carrageenan

See All Rhymes for carrageenan

Browse Nearby Words

carrageen
carrageenan
Carrantuohill
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carrageenan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carrageenan. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

carrageenan

noun
car·​ra·​geen·​an
variants or carrageenin
ˌkar-ə-ˈgē-nən How to pronounce carrageenan (audio)
: a substance obtained from various red algae (as Irish moss) that is used in foods especially to stabilize and thicken them

Medical Definition

carrageenan

noun
car·​ra·​geen·​an
variants also carrageenin or carragheenan
ˌkar-ə-ˈgē-nən How to pronounce carrageenan (audio)
: a typically gel-forming polysaccharide extracted from various red algae (such as Irish moss) and used especially as a suspending agent (as in foods) and as a clarifying agent (as for beverages) and in controlling crystal growth in frozen confections

More from Merriam-Webster on carrageenan

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carrageenan

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