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

NylaNova’s technology, developed at Northwestern University, uses selective catalysts to break down nylon-6 waste into caprolactam that can be used to produce new nylon. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

Working with her frequent collaborator Evan Wright, McDoom builds her arrangements from nylon-string guitar and voice. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026

Now the husband was standing there with the empty red tangle of clips and nylon in his hand while the dog fled, tail tucked, up the slope toward the parking-lot entrance and the road beyond. — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

About 60% of new clothes now contain some form of plastic, which can include polyester, acrylic and nylon – all of which are cheaper than cotton or linen, but none of which break down naturally. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 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