polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpä-lē-ˈstī-ˌrēn 
: a polymer of styrene
especially
: a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
Examples of polystyrene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even if a cooler features polystyrene foam, other factors could keep it from being effective.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
There are no expanded polystyrene recycling plants in California, and recycling rates nationally for the material hover around 1%.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
But soft drink bottles can be turned into fiberfill for coats and sleeping bags; milk jugs can be made into toys; and polystyrene food containers can be recycled into cafeteria food trays.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
Since its founding in 2010, Footprint has assisted a variety of companies across the food and consumer goods space to create sustainable alternatives to the plastic and polystyrene foam typically used in packaging.
—Ian Thomas, CNBC, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
There are no expanded polystyrene recycling plants in California, and recycling rates nationally for the material hover around 1%.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
But soft drink bottles can be turned into fiberfill for coats and sleeping bags; milk jugs can be made into toys; and polystyrene food containers can be recycled into cafeteria food trays.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
Since its founding in 2010, Footprint has assisted a variety of companies across the food and consumer goods space to create sustainable alternatives to the plastic and polystyrene foam typically used in packaging.
—Ian Thomas, CNBC, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
Cite this Entry
“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: a stiff transparent plastic used chiefly in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
Medical Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: a polymer of styrene
especially
: a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share