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 shorts are offered in a variety of fabrics including the bestselling Japanese honeycomb, seersucker, warp waffle, nylon warp knit, jersey, sateen and others. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026

The piece is constructed from Royal Alpaca blended with recycled nylon, materials chosen for durability and longevity rather than trend appeal. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Peak Design's Ultralight packing cubes are made of tissue-thin Terra Shell (which feels like nylon) and are 100% recycled, weatherproof, and water-repellent. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026

Both have a super breathable, water-repellant shell made of 20-denier nylon blends that move with the body and brush off snow and light sleet. —Benjamin Tepler, Outside, 23 Jan. 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