rayon

noun

ray·​on ˈrā-ˌän How to pronounce rayon (audio)
1
: any of a group of smooth textile fibers made from regenerated cellulose by extrusion through minute holes
2
: a rayon yarn, thread, or fabric

Examples of rayon in a Sentence

The shirt is made of rayon.
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.
It’s made of a stretchy polyester and rayon blend that’s meant to keep you comfy no matter what—even if you’re tucked away at the back of the plane’s main cabin. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026 Percale sets are sometimes made with cotton mixed with other materials like silk or rayon, which give them a silkier feel. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026 Use the synthetic setting for polyester, rayon, and blends, or start with low and gradually increase to medium as needed. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 Luxe rayon from bamboo sheets are amazingly soft, naturally breathable and cooling, and twice as strong as cotton. — ABC News, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rayon

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ray entry 2

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rayon was in 1924

Rhymes for rayon

See All Rhymes for rayon

Browse Nearby Words

ray of sunshine
rayon
rayonism
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Cite this Entry

“Rayon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rayon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rayon

noun
ray·​on ˈrā-ˌän How to pronounce rayon (audio)
: a yarn, thread, or fabric made from fibers produced chemically from cellulose

More from Merriam-Webster on rayon

Nglish: Translation of rayon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rayon

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