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

The brush head has nylon bristles, boar bristles, and ceramic combs to smooth hair into the fluffy hair of 90s-supermodel dreams. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025

If any residue remains, use the nylon brush to scrub it away. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

It’s made of recycled nylon and Spandex with a DWR water-repelling finish, so feel free to be a little tough on it. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025

The Vision Impression series celebrates national parks with bold graphics knit into breathable, moisture-wicking nylon blends. —Joe Jackson, Outside, 19 Nov. 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