polyurethane

noun

poly·​ure·​thane ˌpä-lē-ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌthān How to pronounce polyurethane (audio)
: any of various polymers that contain NHCOO linkages and are used especially in flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, and resins (as for coatings)

Examples of polyurethane in a Sentence

The floor will need two coats of polyurethane.
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.
Little polyurethane nodes are cast in the shape of Cs on the medial side and no. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 17 June 2026 He was also outfitted with a fat suit made of polyurethane foam covered in spandex. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 It’s made from durable red, white, and blue polyurethane that’s weatherproof and UV resistant. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026 The Joybird Carin armless love seat delivers with its two-pound high-density polyurethane foam core bench cushion seat. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for polyurethane

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyurethane was in 1939

Rhymes for polyurethane

See All Rhymes for polyurethane

Browse Nearby Words

polyunsaturated fat
polyurethane
polyuria
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polyurethane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyurethane. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on polyurethane

Nglish: Translation of polyurethane for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyurethane

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