acrylic

1 of 2

adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkri-lik How to pronounce acrylic (audio)
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
b
: a paint in which the vehicle is an acrylic resin
c
: a painting done in an acrylic resin
2

Examples of acrylic in a Sentence

Noun a painting done in acrylics
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
At one point, Terrill, who was wearing long acrylic fingernails, hooked her finger on one cuff to prevent the Agents from latching the second cuff onto her wrist. Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 Kids can create their own pumpkin masterpieces using non-toxic acrylic paint markers during special hours and for an additional cost. Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
This acrylic and wood tic-tac-toe board brings style and function to any room. Jaclyn Kaufman May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025 HeZone Acrylic Organizer This four-compartment acrylic organizer isn’t just for the office. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acrylic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acrylic was in 1843

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Cite this Entry

“Acrylic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acrylic. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

acrylic

noun
acryl·​ic
ə-ˈkril-ik
1
2
: a paint containing an acrylic resin

Medical Definition

acrylic

1 of 2 adjective
acryl·​ic ə-ˈkril-ik How to pronounce acrylic (audio)
: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives
acrylic polymers

acrylic

2 of 2 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on acrylic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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