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.
The gorpcore girls and athleisure crowd would almost certainly disagree, however, and make a convincing case for wearing one with Salomon sneakers, sporty layers, and an enormous nylon jacket. — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026 Made from a nylon-spandex blend that boasts UPF 50-plus and moisture-wicking properties, these tapered pants will keep you cool throughout the day. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026 Aquafil and Huvis/TK Chemical work in nylon and polyester filament. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 On the spring/summer 2026 runways, Loewe, Dries Van Noten, and The Row all leaned into the mode sportif trend with nylon anoraks, technical layering, and of course, sport shorts. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 30 July 2026 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

Rhymes for nylon

See All Rhymes for nylon

Browse Nearby Words

Nyíregyháza
nylon
nyloned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nylon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nylon. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of nylon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nylon

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