nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän How to pronounce nylon (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Definite Articles Materials: 73% CiCLO nylon (engineered to biodegrade), 27% spandex. Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Those components are nestled inside the thermoplastic temples and sandwiched between layers of nylon for non-RX plano lenses or MR-7 1.67 material for prescription lenses, so the Aura should be able to handle most bumps and drops. PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025 Accessing the contents of your pack is made easy through a simple roll top and buckle, and the liner’s durable ripstop nylon is built to take a beating. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025 The Fire Island Pines?) Hit the road in style with one of these nylon carry-on bags from Baggu. Sam Manzella, Them., 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nylon

Word History

Etymology

coined word

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nylon was in 1938

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nylon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nylon. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

nylon

noun
ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän How to pronounce nylon (audio)
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 How to pronounce nylon (audio)
: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets
nylon sutures and prosthetic devices

More from Merriam-Webster on nylon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!