acrylic

1 of 2

adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkri-lik 

1

: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives

acrylic polymers

2

: made or consisting of an acrylic

an acrylic window

acrylic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: acrylic resin

b

: a paint in which the vehicle is an acrylic resin

c

: a painting done in an acrylic resin

2

: acrylic fiber

Examples of acrylic in a Sentence

Noun

a painting done in acrylics

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Through a series of acrylic paintings, Gardner explores intimate connections between parents and children, partners and siblings, inviting viewers to identify themselves within his signature faceless figures. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

The acid in vinegar will help cut through soap scum on glass and acrylic doors, resulting in a sparkling shine. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026

Noun

The oil-and-acrylic painting was created, in part, with the aid of artificial intelligence. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026

The hardest part of building the hotel, Jones admitted, would be the acrylic—curved and clear windows for panoramic views, four inches thick, and strong enough to hold back the sea. — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from French (acide) acrylique, partial translation (with addition of the suffix -ique -ic entry 1) of German Acrylsäure, with acryl- from Acrolein acrolein + -yl -yl

First Known Use

Adjective

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing acrylic

• acrylic acid
• acrylic fiber
• acrylic resin

Rhymes for acrylic

• argillic
• benzylic
• cyrillic
• idyllic
• acidophilic
• dicarboxylic
• electrophilic
• nucleophilic
• tricarboxylic
• amphiphilic
• basophilic
• carboxylic

Kids Definition

acrylic

noun

acryl·​ic

ə-ˈkril-ik

1

: acrylic fiber

2

: a paint containing an acrylic resin

Medical Definition

acrylic

1 of 2 adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkril-ik 

: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives

acrylic polymers

acrylic

2 of 2 noun

: acrylic resin