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

Step up your workout with this high-density polyethylene aerobic platform. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

However, the recent Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a significant amount of low-cost polyethylene capacity being taken out of commission, since the 15% of the world polyethylene capacity that comes from the region is offline or unable to be transported out. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026

The main packbag uses a 210-denier nylon reinforced with superstrong threads of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). —Corey Buhay, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026

The electrolyte consists of alternating sheets of perpendicularly aligned LixMyPS3, referred to as LiMPS where M is Cd or Mn, and polyethylene oxide layers. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polyethylene

• polyethylene glycol

Rhymes for polyethylene

• antisubmarine
• catecholamine
• dichlorobenzene
• dimethylamine
• diphenylamine
• ethanolamine
• hydroxylamine
• isobutylene
• mercaptopurine
• nucleoprotein
• penicillamine
• phenothiazine

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