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

Rather, they are formed out of fiberglass and decorated with acrylic paint, a contemporary twist on old-school craft that makes the works durable in an outdoor setting like the botanic garden. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Denver Post, 3 June 2024

Each acrylic flute is made from crystal-clear BPA-free acrylic and sports a glass-like finish that won't cloud over time. —Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2024

Noun

This glamorous acrylic clutch was my saving grace for the cocktail attire nights. —Dahvi Shira, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2024

Paint a papier-mâché letter (available at crafts stores) using acrylic paint in your favorite spring color. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2024

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

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing acrylic

• acrylic acid
• acrylic fiber
• acrylic resin

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