spandex
noun
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Spandex is a fiber that has had an impact on fashion high and low, casual and formal, outer and under. It's not a trademark, as a number of the names of other fibers are, among them Dacron, Lycra, and Orlon. It's a generic term, coined in 1959 as an anagram of the word expands. Anagrammatic coinages are not common; the only other in our dictionaries that the average person is likely to be familiar with is sideburns. Sideburns is an anagram (and synonym) of burnsides, from Ambrose E. Burnside, a Union general in the American Civil War credited with originating the fashion (in the U.S., at least) also known as side-whiskers.
Examples of spandex in a Sentence
Ali Faccenda, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024
They’re made from a buttery soft blend of modal and spandex that feels seriously luxe.
—Emily Hochberg, Parents, 22 Apr. 2024
Sizes: 0–16 | Colors: 2 | Materials: 96% polyester, 4% spandex
Eliza J Ruffle Neck Jumpsuit
$148
The Eliza J Ruffle Neck Jumpsuit features trouser-style bottoms with a ruffled V-neckline for added flair.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
The spandex and mesh back contributes flexibility and breathability, with a foam padded knuckle offering extra protection.
—Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024
The denim’s material is a blend of recycled polyester, organic cotton, and spandex that molds to your legs and feels supersoft.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024
They’re made of a super stretchy spandex material that’s comfy enough to wear all day.
—Amanda Oliver, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024
High-profile athletes like Florence Griffith Joyner helped popularize the spandex look.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
The Serta Power Chill mattress protector is made with a cooling nylon and spandex cover atop a waterproof layer.
—Kelsey Kunik, Parents, 10 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spandex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Spandex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spandex. Accessed 2 May. 2024.
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spandex
noun
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