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

In the case of high-density polyethylene, or HDPE — the material used in most shampoo and detergent bottles — the recycling rate was estimated at 19%. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Using infrared light to identify the particles’ chemical makeup, researchers found polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester/PET, plastics commonly used in clothing and packaging. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026

At the risk of discouraging readers, this chapter’s protagonists will include cholecalciferol, ammonia, neonicotinoids, polyethylene, 17α-methyltestosterone, and diclofenac. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Two common types of plastic — polyethylene and polypropylene, used widely to make food containers, packaging, milk jugs and bottle caps — produced the most hydroxyl radicals detected by the researchers. — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 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