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

Dent answered that, with a 35-foot end-of-shot-clock prayer that found nylon, because, of course. —Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 25 Feb. 2026

Sweaters mix comfort and action-ready style, like the wool blend high-neck with zipped shawl collar and nylon sleeves. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026

Instead of natural hair, this manual face brush features incredibly soft nylon bristles that are even gentler on the skin. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

Researchers have become successful in generating electricity from compression using a flexible nylon-film device. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 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