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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What's different – beyond the material in question – is the use of a triangular needle tip that avoids cutting through the wood fibers when threading through them, and nylon yarn that's strong yet flexible. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026 In place of ubiquitous black-nylon rollers, attention-grabbing suitcases that telegraph wealth and taste are now de rigueur in private hangars and public concourses. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2026 Highlining Between Two Moving Balloons A slackline is a flat webbing, usually nylon or polyester, tensioned between two anchors like trees, buildings, or canyon walls. Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026 Tommy disburses stuffings and sauces to hungry locals as the GIs seduced their grandmothers with Camels and nylon stockings. Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nylon

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nylon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nylon. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster