nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

1

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets and used especially in textiles and plastics

2

nylons plural : stockings made of nylon

Examples of nylon in a Sentence

The rope is made of nylon.

Recent Examples on the Web

The bag is made from a water-repellent nylon-and-polyester blend that can withstand rain, so your belongings inside won’t get wet. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026

According to a probable cause affidavit, the former campaign manager gave local police a black nylon glove that Ross is alleged to have provided in June. — Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Ross provided his former campaign manager with a black nylon glove containing a plastic bag filled with a white powder and a pink-and-white capsule, according to the Department of Justice. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2026

The former campaign manager gave law enforcement a nylon glove containing powder cocaine and a 20-milligram tablet of Adderall, a prescription stimulant that contains amphetamines. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

coined word

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nylon

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

1

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic materials used especially in textiles and plastics

2

plural : stockings made of nylon

nylon adjective

Etymology

coined from meaningless word elements

Medical Definition

nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets

nylon sutures and prosthetic devices