poly

noun, often attributive

\ ˈpä-lē

plural polys\ ˈpä-lēz

Definition of poly

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a polymerized plastic or something made of this especially : a polyester fiber, fabric, or garment

poly

adjective

Definition of poly (Entry 2 of 3)

informal : polyamorous "Everybody up there's poly, you know? … You can love more than one person at a time."— Donald Harstad … when you're in a poly relationship, you have to have a higher baseline of communication – you have to deal with problems right away.— Heather Nicoll

poly-

combining form

Definition of poly- (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : many : several : much : multi- polychotomous polygyny

2a : containing an indefinite number more than one of a (specified) substance polysulfide

b : polymeric : polymer of a (specified) monomer polyethylene polyadenylic acid

Examples of poly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

This is not to say poly and nitro produce no tonal differences. — Henry Robertson, Popular Mechanics, "Can Guitar Paint Affect Your Tone?," 31 Dec. 2018 Another emerging threat to Michigan’s water quality: the discovery of toxic chemicals known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, at dozens of locations around the state. — John Flesher, The Seattle Times, "Michigan governor revamps environmental agency after Flint," 4 Feb. 2019 Gagliardi says to wash your cotton or poly blend sheets and bedding in hot water, which won't harm them. — Gigi Engle, SELF, "7 Tips for Cleaning Up After Sex Gets Messy," 12 Dec. 2018 That probably comes down to the game's original low-poly models, weird shadows, and super-blurry textures returning wholesale. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Shenmue I & II impressions: A gaming history lesson, but it feels like school," 20 Aug. 2018 BIOSTIMULATORY FILLER Products like, poly-L-lactic acid (brand name: Sculptra) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), which volumize skin by gradually stimulating collagen production. — Allure, "The Skin-Care Glossary: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know," 17 Aug. 2018 But in every case, your ship glides across one edge, while low-poly critters, flowers, and other light-flashing entities creep toward you from the other. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Tempest 4000 finally lives after delays, legal threats—but what’s up on PC?," 17 July 2018 The only way to transform from roly poly to svelte and strong is through a combination of healthy eating and exercise. — Philly.com, "3 common fitness 'tips' to ignore," 17 Apr. 2018 That’s what this poly-cotton tank brings to the party. — Graham Averill, Outside Online, "The Best Budget Tank Tops for Men," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'poly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.