nylon

American  

[nahy-lon] / ˈnaɪ lɒn /

noun

1. any of a class of thermoplastic polyamides capable of extrusion when molten into fibers, sheets, etc., of extreme toughness, strength, and elasticity, synthesized by the interaction of a dicarboxylic acid with a diamine: used especially for yarn, fabrics, and bristles, as for brushes.

2. nylons, stockings made of nylon, especially sheer, full-length ones for women.

---

nylon ¹ British  

/ ˈnaɪlɒn /

noun

1. a class of synthetic polyamide materials made by copolymerizing dicarboxylic acids with diamines. They can be moulded into a variety of articles, such as combs and machine parts. Nylon monofilaments are used for bristles, etc, and nylon fibres can be spun into yarn

2. 1. yarn or cloth made of nylon, used for clothing, stockings, etc

   2. ( as modifier ) See also nylons

      a nylon dress

---

NYLON ² British  

/ ˈnaɪlɒn /

noun

1. informal a high-earning business executive who enjoys a transatlantic lifestyle, living part of the year in New York City and part in London

---

nylon Scientific  

/ nī′lŏn′ /

1. Any of various materials made of synthetic polyamides (a type of nitrogen-containing polymer). Nylon is very strong and elastic, and can be formed into fibers, sheets, or bristles. It is used to make fabrics, plastics, and molded products.

---

Other Word Forms

• half-nylon adjective

Etymology

Origin of nylon

1938; coined as a generic by the du Pont Chemical Co. as distinct from known words and having no prior meaning or use, but with the suffix -on suggesting other textile fibers such as rayon

Example Sentences

In downhill, super-G and giant slalom, the gates are two poles with a nylon panel stretched between them.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

At the camp, which is funded by a Sudanese businessman, hundreds of families sleep in nylon tents or on plastic mats laid across the sand.

From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025

The team has now proved that its model is at its most advanced stage yet by actually making such objects with 3D printed nylon.

From Science Daily • Oct. 18, 2025

At our YMCA’s “toddler time,” my firstborn son had only a passing interest in the nylon tunnels and scooter boards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 25, 2025

Gently, gently, I picked at the knot in the frayed green nylon.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer