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

Sharabi Chicken Tikka and Kasauli Lemon Chicken are flambed tableside, and Jalebi Chat is accented with nylon sev (a thin, crispy Indian snack made from chickpea flour) and silver varaq (a thin, edible sheet of silver used in South Asian treats). — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Nose-deep in a nylon Prada shoulder bag is a strange way to start a Saturday morning in SoHo. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Ciclo is incorporated into polyester and nylon during fiber manufacturing. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

The premium hardware and 500D nylon build offer IPX4 splash protection and rugged longevity without relying on the loud, militaristic styling that makes other tactical packs look out of place in a professional office. — New Atlas, 29 Sep. 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