polyester

1 of 2

noun

poly·​es·​ter ˈpä-lē-ˌe-stər How to pronounce polyester (audio)
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-
: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used especially in making fibers or plastics
also : a product (such as a fiber or fabric) composed of polyester
polyesterification noun

polyester

2 of 2

adjective

: characterized by inelegant or unsophisticated middle-class taste
polyester suburbs
polyester folks

Examples of polyester in a Sentence

Noun The shirt is made of polyester. The sheets are a cotton and polyester blend.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The lightweight polyester that they're made with is moisture-wicking and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2024 Made of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, the fabric is durable and thick. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024 This 100 percent polyester top is designed with a boatneck, long shirred sleeves with button cuffs, and a lined body. Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 This coat is made with two shells (polyester and polyamide) for optimal protection from the elements whether that’s rain, snow, or sleet. Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 Though it’s made of high-quality nylon and polyester, the tub is well insulated with five layers to keep water colder longer—about four hours. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 Since major advancements have been made in waterproof and windproof materials since the early days—two world wars resulted in innovations like gabardines, nylons, polyesters, and waxed cottons—windbreakers have become some of the lightest varieties of outerwear. Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2024 This lightly padded mask has a 100 percent mulberry silk exterior and soft polyester filling. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2024 Apart from being affordable, a polyester pillow can be a decent support for the sleeper’s body, provided there’s enough filler, and is easy to clean. Brianna Kamienski, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Get a cap and gown for a cool photo op No graduation day is complete without a photo shoot in a tasseled cap and hot, sweaty, polyester robe, right? Lindsey Vickers, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2020 Start with polyester thermal underwear for the base layer. Deb Acord, Popular Mechanics, 22 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polyester.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

poly- + ester

Adjective

from the assumed popularity of clothing made from polyester fabric among middle-class consumers

First Known Use

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyester was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near polyester

Cite this Entry

“Polyester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyester. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

polyester

noun
poly·​es·​ter
ˈpäl-ē-ˌes-tər
: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used chiefly in making fibers or plastics
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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