fiberglass

American  

[fahy-ber-glas, -glahs] / ˈfaɪ bərˌglæs, -ˌglɑs /

Or fiber glass

noun

1. a material consisting of extremely fine filaments of glass that are combined in yarn and woven into fabrics, used in masses as a thermal and acoustical insulator, or embedded in various resins to make boat hulls, fishing rods, and the like.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cover or form with fiberglass.

verb (used without object)

1. to use or work with fiberglass.

fiberglass Scientific  

/ fī′bər-glăs′ /

1. A material made up of very fine fibers of glass. Fiberglass is resistant to heat and fire and is used to make various products, such as building insulation and boat hulls. Because the fibers in fiberglass are capable of transmitting light around curves, fiberglass is an important component of fiber optics.

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Etymology

Origin of fiberglass

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; fiber + glass

Example Sentences

The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Ill., created in 2024 by Bill Thomas of the Atlanta Betterment Fund and collector-historian Joel Baker, is devoted to the fiberglass figures.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

The 2nd Amendment Cowboy is a fiberglass giant that stands at the entrance to a trailer park near the art installation Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

To avoid triggering magnetic mines, the hulls are constructed of wood and fiberglass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

To avoid triggering magnetic mines, the hulls are constructed of wood and fiberglass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Her feet feel heavy against the fiberglass floor of the tub.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri