acrylic

1 of 2

adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkri-lik 

1

: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives

acrylic polymers

2

: made or consisting of an acrylic

an acrylic window

acrylic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: acrylic resin

b

: a paint in which the vehicle is an acrylic resin

c

: a painting done in an acrylic resin

2

: acrylic fiber

Examples of acrylic in a Sentence

Noun

a painting done in acrylics

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Predatory plastic Scientists have created a thin, acrylic film that can kill viruses, according to a study published in the journal Advanced Science. —Devika Rao, TheWeek, 7 May 2026

An acrylic barrier like this one is a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to a standard pool gate. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026

Noun

Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and acrylic shed tiny plastic fibers every time they’re washed — especially fuzzy materials like polyester fleece. —Ryan Brennan may 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026

Leclerc himself picked various custom details, such as the door handles and the elegant Corian Calacatta Greige acrylic throughout. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from French (acide) acrylique, partial translation (with addition of the suffix -ique -ic entry 1) of German Acrylsäure, with acryl- from Acrolein acrolein + -yl -yl

First Known Use

Adjective

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing acrylic

• acrylic acid
• acrylic fiber
• acrylic resin

Rhymes for acrylic

• argillic
• benzylic
• cyrillic
• idyllic
• acidophilic
• dicarboxylic
• electrophilic
• nucleophilic
• tricarboxylic
• amphiphilic
• basophilic
• carboxylic

Kids Definition

acrylic

noun

acryl·​ic

ə-ˈkril-ik

1

: acrylic fiber

2

: a paint containing an acrylic resin

Medical Definition

acrylic

1 of 2 adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkril-ik 

: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives

acrylic polymers

acrylic

2 of 2 noun

: acrylic resin