polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation
Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At her 1968 wedding in Wisconsin, Joyce Wrasse wore a $40 dress made of Pro-Tem, a rayon and polyethylene nonwoven fabric, by Chicago fashion designer Jita Merson.
—
Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2025
As for the cooler body, it’s made out of Yeti’s famous rotomolded polyethylene that came away without damage after months of consistent hard use transporting perishables around campsites and being errantly left outside for months.
—Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
Known for its scientific solution to the mounting mountain of textile waste, Eeden’s chemical recycling technology recovers pure cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) building blocks from cotton-polyester blends.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025
The team detected 12 different polymers, with polyethylene the most common.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
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.
Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2025
As for the cooler body, it’s made out of Yeti’s famous rotomolded polyethylene that came away without damage after months of consistent hard use transporting perishables around campsites and being errantly left outside for months.
—Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
Known for its scientific solution to the mounting mountain of textile waste, Eeden’s chemical recycling technology recovers pure cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) building blocks from cotton-polyester blends.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025
The team detected 12 different polymers, with polyethylene the most common.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging
Medical Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share