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

Plus, they’re made with lightweight materials (nylon straps and foam outsoles) to prevent foot fatigue. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026

Boots essentially take a clog and add a long nylon neck that can be cinched tight around the lower calf. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

Ben Tutt, a warhead modeler turned parachute designer, has never jumped out of an airplane to see if the nylon canopies attached to cords and a body harness really work. —Pat Maio, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

For delicate materials, consider a nylon dish scrubber or a cleaning eraser. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 May 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