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

Fashioned from a wrinkle-resistant mix of nylon and spandex, these pants can easily be worn a few times throughout your next trip, no iron necessary. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026

Prada’s padel racket with a nylon case, currently out of stock, retails for $1,970. —Robin Swithinbank, Robb Report, 9 May 2026

The team converted plastics such as PET bottles, nylon, and polyurethane into chemical feedstocks that helped drive the production of anilines, an important class of industrial compounds. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026

Made with nylon, the capsule was designed for long days on the water—providing cooling, lightweight performance and comfort. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 May 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