nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän How to pronounce nylon (audio)
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 Shoes made from canvas, nylon, cotton, and polyester are typically fine to throw in the washing machine. Alyssa Rotunno, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023 Join the fairy girl fall movement with the new accessory everyone’s wearing: sheer nylon socks. Anna Tingley, Variety, 16 Nov. 2023 They’re durably made, with a mix of tough nylon and suede, and have a Gore-Tex liner that keeps feet dry on creek crossings or hiking in the rain. Ebony Roberts, wsj.com, 13 Nov. 2023 The airship has 13 rip-stop nylon gas bags inside its rigid carbon-fiber and titanium frame that are continuously monitored using LIDAR to ensure the airship is properly balanced, buoyant, and performing well. Harry Guinness, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023 It’s also made from a soft, stretchy, and comfortable nylon blend that is cozy yet breathable. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2023 The Tactical Pant is 58 percent cotton, which is great, but then comes 29 percent nylon (boo), and 13 percent elastane (boo). WIRED, 3 Nov. 2023 This dress is constructed from yarn derived from a blend of polyester, acrylic, nylon, and wool, which gives it a breathable, warm, and super soft feel. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2023 And the food-safe silicone is more gentle than typical nylon bristles. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nylon.' 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

coined word

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nylon was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near nylon

Cite this Entry

“Nylon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nylon. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

nylon

noun
ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän How to pronounce nylon (audio)
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 How to pronounce nylon (audio)
: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets
nylon sutures and prosthetic devices

More from Merriam-Webster on nylon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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