vinyl

noun

vi·​nyl ˈvī-nᵊl How to pronounce vinyl (audio)
1
: a monovalent radical CH2=CH derived from ethylene by removal of one hydrogen atom
2
a
: a polymer of a vinyl compound or a product (such as a resin or a textile fiber) made from such a polymer
often used before another noun
a house with vinyl siding
vinyl tiles/flooring
b(1)
: vinyl used as a material for phonograph records
a vinyl record
… 1970's revolutionary record "Wake the Town," the first "rap" song ever released on vinyl. [=as a phonograph record]Rob Kenner
The opening multimedia bonanza also features … reissues of the band's 13 studio albums on vinylJerry McCulley
(2)
: phonograph records recorded on vinyl
a shop selling vintage vinyl
The owner of the company … said GZ Media produced 300,000 records in 1994, but, with the global resurgence in the popularity of vinyl, it expects to produce 20 million this year.Rick Lyman
These are people who … listen to vinyl at home.John King
vinylic adjective

Examples of vinyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Check it out, stream it, buy it on vinyl. Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 1 May 2023 The libraries have become like vinyl. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2023 This all-purpose detergent is specially formulated to work with pressure washers and can be used on surfaces such as concrete, vinyl, brick, and wood. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2023 Houses have distinct door and shutter colors, and vinyl, brick or stone siding. Madison Rudolf, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for vinyl 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin vinum wine

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vinyl was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near vinyl

Cite this Entry

“Vinyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vinyl. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

vinyl

noun
vi·​nyl ˈvīn-ᵊl How to pronounce vinyl (audio)
1
: a chemical obtained from ethylene by the removal of one hydrogen atom
2
: a polymer of a vinyl compound or a product (as a textile fiber) made from such a polymer

Medical Definition

vinyl

noun
vi·​nyl ˈvīn-ᵊl How to pronounce vinyl (audio)
1
: a monovalent radical CH2=CH derived from ethylene by removal of one hydrogen atom
2
: a polymer of a vinyl compound or a product (as a resin or a textile fiber) made from one
vinylic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on vinyl

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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