vinyl

American  

[vahyn-l] / ˈvaɪn l /

noun

1. Chemistry. the vinyl group, the univalent group C 2 H 3 , derived from ethylene.

2. any resin formed by polymerizing vinyl compounds, or any of a group of plastics made from such resins.

   This flooring is vinyl, although it looks like wood.

3. 1. phonograph records made of vinyl, considered collectively.

      I'd like to sell my collection of vinyl.

   2. vinyl as the material or medium for such records or recordings.

      songs recorded on vinyl.

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adjective

1. Chemistry. containing the vinyl group.

vinyl British  

/ ˈvaɪnɪl /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group of atoms CH 2 CH-

   a vinyl polymer

   vinyl chloride

2. (modifier) of, consisting of, or made of a vinyl resin

   a vinyl raincoat

3. any vinyl polymer, resin, or plastic, esp PVC

4. (collectively) conventional records made of vinyl as opposed to compact discs

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vinyl Scientific  

/ vī′nəl /

1. The group C ₂ H ₃, derived from ethylene.

2. Any of various chemical compounds, typically highly reactive, that contain this group and are used in making plastics.

3. Any of various plastics made of vinyl, typically tough, flexible, and shiny, often used in upholstery and clothing.

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Etymology

Origin of vinyl

1860–65; < Latin vīn ( um ) wine + -yl

Explanation

Vinyl is a common type of plastic that's often found on kitchen floors, in plumbing pipes and fittings, and in medical equipment. If you have a record player, you might enjoy hunting for vintage vinyl records at your local music store or thrift shop. It would be hard to get through an entire day without using, or at least seeing, vinyl. From underground sewer pipes to raincoats, boots, toys, and water bottles, vinyl is all around us. Before CDs (and streaming services), music was pressed on vinyl, and some people think music sounds better this way. This versatile material was discovered accidentally in the 1920s by a scientist who experimented with it by making shoe heels and golf balls. Vinyl is short for polyvinyl, or "a polymer of vinyl chloride."

Example Sentences

Until then, songs were heard mainly on state-run radio or vinyl records in shops and community halls.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

For the time being, vinyl records made from reclaimed materials are the best that companies like Swanson’s can do, though they’re are always on the lookout for other, viable options for improving their footprint.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Waldorf settled into a small hospital room, her husband glued to the vinyl couch beside her, both reeling from the impending loss of what would have been their second daughter.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

My father’s vinyl from his many DJ jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

She was wearing a black vinyl miniskirt, a red tank top, and Teddy, droolingly happy from his Baby Bjorn.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman