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.
Employees at Hobby Lobby pointed the kids toward a nylon ripstop fabric instead. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 4 Apr. 2025 He was found in drag — wearing a black dress, nylon stockings, a black jacket, with eye shadow and fake eyelashes. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 Cut and Attach Screen To keep fruit flies and other pests away from the compost, create a screen for your bin. Measure and cut a piece of nylon screen to cover the holes in the lid, and attach the screen to the underside of the lid using hot glue. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025 Defined by a nylon upper, the first in its class, the non-leather fabrication gives the sneaker an extremely lightweight feel. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 2 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 15 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
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