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

Although Nylabone has branched out over the years, its original toys were made from a tough nylon material and shaped like bones, hence the name. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026

Natural materials like linen, cotton, silk, and satin wrinkle more easily than synthetic nylon, polyester, and elastane. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

The main packbag uses a 210-denier nylon reinforced with superstrong threads of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). —Corey Buhay, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026

They’re made with durable, breathable, and stretchy fabric (often a smart blend of recycled nylon and spandex or elastane). —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 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