elastic

1 of 2

adjective

elas·​tic i-ˈla-stik How to pronounce elastic (audio)
1
a
of a solid : capable of recovering size and shape after deformation
b
: relating to or being a collision between particles in which the total kinetic energy of the particles remains unchanged
2
: capable of recovering quickly especially from depression or disappointment
my elastic spirits revivedWilkie Collins
3
: capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape : flexible
an elastic bandage
4
a
: capable of ready change or easy expansion or contraction : not rigid or constricted
an elastic concept
b
: receptive to new ideas : adaptable
an elastic mind
elastically adverb

elastic

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands
2
a
: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b
: something made from this fabric
Choose the Right Synonym for elastic

elastic, resilient, springy, flexible, supple mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured.

elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape.

the cake is done when the top is springy

flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking.

flexible plastic tubing

supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Examples of elastic in a Sentence

Adjective when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans Noun She wrapped an elastic around the cards.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
This casual dress features a comfortable scoop neckline, fluttery short sleeves, an elastic waistband and a ruffle hem skirt. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024 The slightly stretchy polyester is quick-drying—perfect for swimming or, say, running through a sprinkler—and the elastic waistband adds even more give. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2024 Fold one side over the other, so that the elastic edges are aligned. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024 The charismatic frontman, whose elastic vocals are still in top form over 30 years after forming the group, frequently engaged with the audience and periodically sipped from a bottle of red wine on stage between songs. Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 The shorts have a classic tap short design with a thin elastic waistband and matching lace trim to tie it all together. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 Incorporate by kneading the dough on speed 2 until the butter is folded in and the dough is again smooth and elastic, 5 to 6 minutes. Yewande Komolafe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 Currently on sale for nearly half off to celebrate the end of winter, these breathable polyester and spandex pants are about to become your go-to choice for travel days and beyond thanks to their elastic waistband, free-flowing fabric, and yes, pockets. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2024 The elastic properties of the feather quills provide slightly better support than down. Brianna Kamienski, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024
Noun
The slip-in cup came later, as the little piece of fabric and elastic moved into the sports world, around the 1920s. Leanne Italie, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 What to Consider Tablets are affixed to the case with elastics, which may feel a little insecure. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2023 Her straightened style is pulled way up high and secured at the tippy-top of the crown with a black elastic. Marci Robin, Allure, 30 Jan. 2024 Step 4: Secure Bag Over Shower Head Or Submerge Into Vinegar Solution Secure the bag over the shower head with a rubber band, string, twist ties, or strong hair elastics. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2024 On pristine bathroom vanities, little jars fill with cotton rounds and bobby pins and hair elastics. Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2024 Continue all the way down the ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2024 What to Consider: The elastic may stretch out over time. Laura Holt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023 The silk material, which cuts down on damage, makes these significantly more luxurious than your average hair elastics. Kaitlyn McInnis, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elastic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

New Latin elasticus, from Late Greek elastos ductile, beaten, from Greek elaunein to drive, beat out; probably akin to Greek ēlythe he went, Old Irish luid

First Known Use

Adjective

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of elastic was in 1674

Dictionary Entries Near elastic

Cite this Entry

“Elastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elastic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

elastic

1 of 2 adjective
elas·​tic i-ˈlas-tik How to pronounce elastic (audio)
1
a
: capable of returning to original shape or size after being stretched, pressed, or squeezed together
sponges are elastic
b
: capable of indefinite expansion
gases are elastic substances
2
: able to recover quickly especially from sadness or disappointment
youthful, elastic spirit
3
: capable of being changed : flexible
an elastic plan
elasticity
i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē
ˌē-ˌlas-
noun

elastic

2 of 2 noun
1
2
a
: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b
: something made from elastic fabric

Medical Definition

elastic

1 of 2 adjective
elas·​tic i-ˈlas-tik How to pronounce elastic (audio)
1
a
of a solid : capable of recovering size and shape after deformation
b
of a liquid : capable of resisting compression
c
of a gas : capable of indefinite expansion
2
: capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape
elastically adverb

elastic

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands
b
: a band of elastic used especially in orthodontics
also : one placed around a tooth at the gumline in effecting its nonsurgical removal
2
a
: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b
: something made from this fabric

More from Merriam-Webster on elastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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