nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

1

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets and used especially in textiles and plastics

2

nylons plural : stockings made of nylon

Examples of nylon in a Sentence

The rope is made of nylon.

Recent Examples on the Web

The bra itself is made of a mostly nylon blend that also features 6% spandex to add extra give. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025

While a woman’s nylon deck coat is redefined with fresh, feminine proportions and reversible functionality. —Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Gently scrub the rust away with a sponge or stiff nylon brush. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025

That’s trailed by all other fibers including polyester and silk (both 5 percent), wool (2 percent), linen, cashmere and nylon (all 1 percent). —Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

coined word

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nylon

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

1

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic materials used especially in textiles and plastics

2

plural : stockings made of nylon

nylon adjective

Etymology

coined from meaningless word elements

Medical Definition

nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets

nylon sutures and prosthetic devices