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

The tent body is made of 40-denier ripstop nylon for durability at the base and on the floor, with 20-denier nylon mesh for the body. —Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 May 2025

Straps are usually woven nylon but can also be made of rubber or sturdy cloth. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

Made from recycled nylon, the Noah holdall has stylish leather corners and sporty red logo straps. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Meet the Italian Resin Flat Brush, a beautiful 2023 Best of Beauty-winner made of marbled Italian resin, nylon and boar bristles, complete with a satisfying heft. —Sarah Han, Allure, 12 May 2025

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