poly

noun, often attributive

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\ 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

Example Sentences Phrases Containing poly Learn More About poly

Examples of poly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun In Joanna’s experience, poly-mono frequently doesn’t work. — Natasha Preskey, refinery29.com, 26 May 2021 Whatever, the cob impalers are made of an attractive dark poly-something resin. — Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2021 In Joanna’s experience, poly-mono frequently doesn’t work. — Natasha Preskey, refinery29.com, 26 May 2021 In Joanna’s experience, poly-mono frequently doesn’t work. — Natasha Preskey, refinery29.com, 26 May 2021 In Joanna’s experience, poly-mono frequently doesn’t work. — Natasha Preskey, refinery29.com, 26 May 2021 In Joanna’s experience, poly-mono frequently doesn’t work. — Natasha Preskey, refinery29.com, 26 May 2021 In Joanna’s experience, poly-mono frequently doesn’t work. — Natasha Preskey, refinery29.com, 26 May 2021 After a year of speculation, record-breaking rallies, and poly-coinery, it could be make or break time for DeFi v1.0. — Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes, 20 May 2021 See More

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.