polyester

1 of 2

noun

poly·​es·​ter ˈpä-lē-ˌe-stər How to pronounce polyester (audio)
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-
Synonyms of polyesternext
: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used especially in making fibers or plastics
also : a product (such as a fiber or fabric) composed of polyester
polyesterification
ˌpä-lē-e-ˌster-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce polyester (audio)
noun

polyester

2 of 2

adjective

: characterized by inelegant or unsophisticated middle-class taste
polyester suburbs
polyester folks

Examples of polyester in a Sentence

Noun The shirt is made of polyester. The sheets are a cotton and polyester blend.
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.
Noun
Fulsalp polyamide, polyester and elastane pants ($672, available at MyTheresa). — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 To be sure, a bit of polyester here and there is not inherently bad, especially in outdoor or athletic gear. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Researchers have identified a new bacterial enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of polyesters and bioplastics. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polyester

Word History

Etymology

Noun

poly- + ester

Adjective

from the assumed popularity of clothing made from polyester fabric among middle-class consumers

First Known Use

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyester was in 1922

Rhymes for polyester

See All Rhymes for polyester

Browse Nearby Words

polyergus
polyester
polyester fiber
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

polyester

noun
poly·​es·​ter
ˈpäl-ē-ˌes-tər
: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used chiefly in making fibers or plastics

More from Merriam-Webster on polyester

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for polyester

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyester

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