polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 

: a polymer of ethylene

especially : any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH₂CH₂)_x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation

Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than requiring workers or optical sensors to sort polyethylene from polypropylene, the STL process accepts the mixed plastic stream as is. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026

Polyester is best suited for warm, dry climates, while polyethylene and polypropylene are better for rainy or humid environments. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026

The polyethylene makes an effective insulation, but is highly flammable and was blamed for letting flames quickly engulf London’s 25-story Grenfell Tower nine years ago. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026

Oil is a feedstock used to make ethylene, so higher oil prices drive up the cost of polyethylene. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polyethylene

• polyethylene glycol

Rhymes for polyethylene

• acetylene
• adamantine
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• catecholamine
• chlorobenzene

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging

Medical Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a polymer of ethylene

especially : any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH₂CH₂)_x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing