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

It’s made with a light-as-air blend of nylon and elastane that’s supportive, yet soft enough to sleep in. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 July 2026

The nylon is also abrasion-resistant, and both the men’s and women’s sizes have a long enough center-back length to tuck into hiking pants. — Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026

Junya Watanabe’s spring 1996 sheer and slick nylon layers were also a reference point throughout, including in the look Ross sported for Wednesday’s late-night appearance. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

The nylon-spandex blend offers lightweight, just-right stretch while a high-rise elastic waistband lays flat without digging in. — Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 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