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

Inside the breathable 400-thread-count cotton cover is DuraLOFT polyester fill, while a two-inch gusset helps maintain its shape and structure over time. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

Millie Adams, owner of Studded Petals Vintage, posted to Twitter critiquing the price point versus fabrication — some of which was polyamide, polyester, and viscose. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Untreated polyester showed no biodegradation during the same period. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

The company expanded its textile operations in the 1960s, building an acetate factory in 1968 and a polyester factory in 1969. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 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