nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

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

This one, made from ballistic nylon, has a zippered entry to a padded laptop compartment, a padded mesh back panel, a key leash, plus pen holders and tons of other organizational features. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025

It is marketed as an alternative to nylon and polyester. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 26 Feb. 2025

Then the fiber computer was covered with braided yarns (polyester, wool, nylon, or silk) and embedded in a pair of leggings. —Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025

Neo Gamma's suit and shoes are flat-knitted from nylon using a Japanese Shimaseki machine in a whole-garment seamless process that fits Neo like a glove. —New Atlas, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

coined word

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nylon

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

nylon

noun

ny·​lon ˈnī-ˌlän 

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 

: any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets

nylon sutures and prosthetic devices