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

With more than 700 five-star reviews, the dress is popular among those who love the stretchy polyester-elastane fabric. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

The rayon-and-polyester-blend fabric is breathable yet durable enough to be machine washable. — Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

Most swimsuits are made of nylon, polyester, a ribbed material, or neoprene (a more intense, sporty material), and blended with spandex, Lycra, or elastane for stretch. — Alexandra Malmed, InStyle, 16 July 2026

Typically, the fabrics used to make UPF clothing have been synthetic, such as polyester, nylon, or elastane. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 15 July 2026

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

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