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
Geneviève’s face is made of white polystyrene, with no eyes.
—
Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Styrofoam From takeout cartons to coffee cups and egg cartons to packaging, polystyrene foam or Styrofoam should not go into your recycling bin.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2025
Even better, the pellets can be processed using standard injection-moulding machines — the same ones manufacturers already use for polystyrene test housings.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
The study also identified PET, PS (polystyrene), and PVC as the most prevalent types in coastal regions.
—Miguel A. Torres, Time, 3 Oct. 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.
Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Styrofoam From takeout cartons to coffee cups and egg cartons to packaging, polystyrene foam or Styrofoam should not go into your recycling bin.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2025
Even better, the pellets can be processed using standard injection-moulding machines — the same ones manufacturers already use for polystyrene test housings.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
The study also identified PET, PS (polystyrene), and PVC as the most prevalent types in coastal regions.
—Miguel A. Torres, Time, 3 Oct. 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 29 Nov. 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