polyester

1 of 2

noun

poly·​es·​ter ˈpä-lē-ˌe-stər 

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

ˌpä-lē-e-ˌster-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

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

Currently, the capacities are more geared toward basics like T-shirts in polyester or cotton, rather than more complex items like dresses and outerwear. —Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 16 July 2024

Available in sizes twin to California king, these sheets are made of a soft and breathable polyester blend, designed to cool you down while giving you a hotel-level kind of slumber. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 16 July 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

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

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