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

Min and his colleagues examined various microplastics—including polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026

Its fabrics use fibers made from post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, according to Indorama Ventures. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

The tweak lets the enzyme devour polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at nearly twice its normal speed, without melting under heat. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

With Buffalo, 16 of the NFL’s 30 facilities will feature grass this season, including Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, which is made up of 95% grass and reinforced with polyethylene fibers. — John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 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