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

They’re made with a moisture-wicking nylon and spandex blend that is surprisingly breathable. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025

Made from a stretchy, lightweight, and breathable combination of nylon and spandex, the Index Sleep Monitor is meant to be worn on your upper arm. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 June 2025

It’s made of a stretchy fabric that is 70% nylon and 30% spandex. —Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

They’re made from a nylon and spandex blend that shoppers say is comfortable, easy to care for, and hardly wrinkles. —Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 13 June 2025

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