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
Other Plastic Plastic containers (beyond polystyrene) are more complicated.
—
Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026
In some locations, polystyrene peanuts.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Bristle materials The most common bristle materials include bass, tampico, corn, polystyrene and polyester.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
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 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
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Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026
In some locations, polystyrene peanuts.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Bristle materials The most common bristle materials include bass, tampico, corn, polystyrene and polyester.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
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 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
Cite this Entry
“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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
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