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.
These 97-percent nylon Prana pants have been a staple in my travel wardrobe since 2015. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026 Instead, they’re constructed with parachute nylon, mesh or microfiber. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Compost tea leaves if the bag is plant-based; nylon bags should be discarded in the trash. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026 The most common exterior fabric used is a sturdy canvas, but inexpensive nylon options are also available. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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