rayon

noun

ray·​on ˈrā-ˌän How to pronounce rayon (audio)
1
: any of a group of smooth textile fibers made from regenerated cellulose by extrusion through minute holes
2
: a rayon yarn, thread, or fabric

Examples of rayon in a Sentence

The shirt is made of rayon.
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.
Nearly a century later, tampons still are made primarily from cotton, rayon or a blend of the two. Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026 The top is made from acrylic, while the pants are constructed with rayon, polyester, and elastane to give you comfort and stretch all day long. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026 The fabric, which is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, is a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex for durability and comfort. Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2026 For Rayon and Acrylic Clothing Amanda Abraham, laundry expert at Maytag Laundry, recommends this method for clothing made from rayon or acrylic fibers. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rayon

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ray entry 2

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rayon was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rayon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rayon. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

rayon

noun
ray·​on ˈrā-ˌän How to pronounce rayon (audio)
: a yarn, thread, or fabric made from fibers produced chemically from cellulose

More from Merriam-Webster on rayon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster