rayon

noun

ray·​on ˈrā-ˌän 

1

: any of a group of smooth textile fibers made from regenerated cellulose by extrusion through minute holes

2

: a rayon yarn, thread, or fabric

Examples of rayon in a Sentence

The shirt is made of rayon.

Recent Examples on the Web

With less money to spend on clothes, clients gravitated toward more affordable accessories; silk became difficult to obtain, so the company released rayon scarves. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Delicate Fabrics Delicate fabrics like bamboo, rayon, and modal are prone to pilling, notes Van. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026

The fabric makeup of rayon, polyester, and spandex also promises four-way stretch for easy movement, too. — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026

This two-piece lounge set is made from a light-as-air polyester-rayon-spandex blend with four-way stretch and abundant airflow, and the striped detailing gives it a more elevated look than your basic tee-and-pants combo. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ray entry 2

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rayon

• layin
• himalayan
• malayan
• nuclein
• verstehen

Kids Definition

rayon

noun

ray·​on ˈrā-ˌän 

: a yarn, thread, or fabric made from fibers produced chemically from cellulose