nylon

noun

ny·lon ˈnī-ˌlän

: 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

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.

About 60% of new clothes now contain some form of plastic, which can include polyester, acrylic and nylon – all of which are cheaper than cotton or linen, but none of which break down naturally. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Track Star Made from a crinkly nylon, these lightweight pants are incredibly airy and easy to move in—built for whatever the day brings, from morning laps to running errands. — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 The nylon backpack from 1984, also on display, is still in stores today, remarks Guerra. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 As the balloon and its occupants fell to the ground, the nylon envelope and the gondola separated, and the wreckage scattered over a roughly 100-yard area, parts of it blackened by the explosion and resulting fire. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nylon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nylon. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nylon

noun

ny·lon ˈnī-ˌlän

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic materials used especially in textiles and plastics

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

nylon

noun

Examples of nylon in a Sentence

Word History

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Medical Definition

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nylon

noun

Examples of nylon in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for nylon

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on nylon

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