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

Elsewhere, her look includes signature heeled ballet flats from Repetto and Valesque’s nylon tote, which clocks in at under $300. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

That added thermal control is especially important for larger ABS, ASA, nylon, and carbon-fiber prints, where stable chamber temperatures help reduce warping, shrinkage, and layer separation across the Max 4’s nearly 400mm build volume. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026

Youthful ambition bequeathed them unpredictably shifting time signatures, a daunting nylon-string intro, some odd musical shifts during the guitar-solo section, and a long list of other complexities. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

Materials science company Balena is exploring whether its flexible biomaterial could provide stretch and support in intimate apparel while reducing the category’s reliance on elastane, nylon, foams and other synthetic components. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 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