polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 

: a polymer of ethylene

especially : any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH₂CH₂)_x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation

Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While chemical uses include a variety of products like detergent and paints, polyethylene plastics are a major part of the chemicals business. —Ryan Baker, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025

Thus far the Army has provided 37,800 feet of HESCO barriers, 400 super tacks, 112,000 sandbags and 25,000 feet of polyethylene sheeting. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025

Many single-use plastic water bottles are made from a type of plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Origin Materials bills its caps as a more recyclable alternative to the polyethylene and polypropylene lids found in grocery and convenience stores across the world. —Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polyethylene

• polyethylene glycol

Rhymes for polyethylene

• antisubmarine
• catecholamine
• dichlorobenzene
• dimethylamine
• diphenylamine
• ethanolamine
• hydroxylamine
• isobutylene
• mercaptopurine
• nucleoprotein
• penicillamine
• phenothiazine

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging

Medical Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a polymer of ethylene

especially : any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH₂CH₂)_x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing