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

Squeezing through slot canyons and bushwhacking through scrub oak provided some Outside Lab-style abrasive durability that didn’t even leave a mark on the nylon ripstop material. —The Editors, Outside, 31 Dec. 2025

Apply some stain remover to the area and work it in with a soft-bristle nylon brush or an old toothbrush. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 31 Dec. 2025

Designed with modern trips in mind, this latest travel bag collection features a sleek assortment of water-repellent nylon bags durable enough to take on even the shortest of journeys. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025

Sack feeders, which are nylon mesh tubes filled with nyjer, are used for smaller birds since larger ones can't get through the mesh. —George Petras, USA Today, 31 Dec. 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