There is provided a mono-(meth)acrylate functionalized hydrophilic silicone monomers containing a polyether with branched linking group, useful in making water absorbing silicone-hydrogel films for contact lens applications. This invention also provides homo-polymers and copolymers made from the mono-(meth)acrylate functionalized hydrophilic silicone monomers described herein. Also provided is a process for producing the monomers and polymers described herein and contact lenses produced from the same.