nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

1

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets and used especially in textiles and plastics

2

nylons plural : stockings made of nylon

Examples of nylon in a Sentence

The rope is made of nylon.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kryptonite chain bike locks use a nylon cover to protect the chain. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026

While the Canadian brand produces specific models intended for everything from hiking to mountain climbing, among its more versatile pieces is the Ossa jacket, made from a lightweight, UPF 50+ nylon ripstop shell and designed with a zip-out hood. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026

It’s made out of easy-to-clean nylon and comes in a whopping 50 different colors and patterns. —Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026

Squirt a few drops of dish soap into a gallon of water, and use a nylon brush to scrub the stain. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

coined word

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nylon

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

1

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic materials used especially in textiles and plastics

2

plural : stockings made of nylon

nylon adjective

Etymology

coined from meaningless word elements

Medical Definition

nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets

nylon sutures and prosthetic devices