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

The Grappler has a nylon net loaded into a compartment in the bumper. —Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 2025

Choose alternatives like a mesh brush, nylon brush, or grill cleaner. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2025

At Daniel Bey’s ranch house, in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, the 41-year-old cowboy and horseman readies his nylon and polyester rope with practiced ease. —Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025

Photograph: Leesa Leesa Legend Chill Hybrid $2,799 $2,239 (20% off) Leesa Synthetic fibers, namely nylon and polyester, are both heavily plastic-based. —Julia Forbes, Wired News, 22 July 2025

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