polyester

1 of 3

noun (1)

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 3

adjective

: characterized by inelegant or unsophisticated middle-class taste

polyester suburbs

polyester folks

polyesterification

3 of 3

noun (2)

poly·​esterification "+ 

: the formation of a polyester

Examples of polyester in a Sentence

Noun (1)

The shirt is made of polyester.

The sheets are a cotton and polyester blend.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Fabric types that have effective moisture-wicking properties include polyester, polypropylene and nylon. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

This pair creates the appearance of jeans but doesn’t feel nearly as heavy as traditional denim, thanks to the lounge pants’ lightweight cotton-polyester blend fabric. — Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

The fabric makeup of rayon, polyester, and spandex also promises four-way stretch for easy movement, too. — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026

Carrying case The best agility poles come with a reliable storage bag or case that is usually constructed from polyester. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

poly- + ester

Adjective

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

Noun (2)

polyester + -ification (as in esterification)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1922, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyester

• ancestor
• arrester
• digester
• investor
• protester
• requester
• semester
• sequester
• silvester
• trimester
• ester
• esther

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