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

While not microplastics themselves, stearate salts are structurally similar to polyethylene, the type of plastic most often found in the environment. —Anne McNeil, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026

His dad needed to pop in to check something, and what caught Will’s eye was a large drum of polyethylene pellets, the raw bits that get melted down and stretched into plastic wrap and plastic bags. —Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026

The 13-foot-tall, 13-foot-wide (four-meter) cylinder uses ultra-pure lead to block gamma rays and high-density polyethylene to absorb neutrons. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026

Only 5% of colored shampoo and detergent bottles, made from polyethylene, or #1 plastic, are getting recycled. —Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 18 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