polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation
Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The region imports around 70% of its supply of naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock used to produce polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), from the Middle East.
—
Angelica Ang, Fortune, 6 May 2026
The company specializes in making bottle capital from polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
Today, roughly half of the global ethylene and polyethylene supply is stranded, constrained, or directly affected by the halt to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial transit point for 20% of the world’s crude.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
It’s made from high-density polyethylene that’s waterproof, UV-protected, and built to withstand outdoor elements like heavy rain, intense sunlight, high humidity, and more.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
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Angelica Ang, Fortune, 6 May 2026
The company specializes in making bottle capital from polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
Today, roughly half of the global ethylene and polyethylene supply is stranded, constrained, or directly affected by the halt to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial transit point for 20% of the world’s crude.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
It’s made from high-density polyethylene that’s waterproof, UV-protected, and built to withstand outdoor elements like heavy rain, intense sunlight, high humidity, and more.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging
Medical Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing
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