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
Colored shampoo and detergent bottles, made from polyethylene, or #1 plastic, are getting recycled at a rate of just 5%.
—
James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Homall 4-Piece Outdoor Patio Furniture Set A popular pick among shoppers, this Homall furniture set comes with four pieces made of solid steel and premium polyethylene rattan.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Olefins are high-value chemicals used to make things like plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene), pharmaceuticals, and other advanced materials.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
Now, in a world first, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has developed reference material to measure polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, commonly found in packaging and textiles, in water.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
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James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Homall 4-Piece Outdoor Patio Furniture Set A popular pick among shoppers, this Homall furniture set comes with four pieces made of solid steel and premium polyethylene rattan.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Olefins are high-value chemicals used to make things like plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene), pharmaceuticals, and other advanced materials.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
Now, in a world first, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has developed reference material to measure polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, commonly found in packaging and textiles, in water.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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