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.

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NYLON ¹ 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

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nylon ² 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

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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.

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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

Explanation

Nylon is a fabric that's woven from man-made fibers. The great thing about your polka dotted nylon shirt is that you can throw it in the in wash instead of getting it dry cleaned. Many clothes are made from nylon, as opposed to natural fibers like cotton, silk. Women's stockings are sometimes called nylons, but they were usually made from silk before the twentieth century invention of the cheaper and more durable nylon. Because nylon is a kind of sturdy woven plastic, it's also used to make things like car parts, food packaging, and the strings of instruments. Nylon, modeled on words like "cotton" and "rayon," is a completely made-up word, with no real roots.

Example Sentences

French brands Soutoura and Nour Turbans' nylon, black, jewel-toned and boxy garments are heavily influenced by Gen Z streetwear - the kind of modest fashion that's also been championed by sportswear giants Nike and Adidas.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

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

“I feel like it’s so important to avoid polyester, nylon, any sort of plastic. And also the very harsh chemical dyes that are being used in clothing,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 2025

Visitors can also explore a jungle wall of wild grasses made of nylon, plastic and polyester by Madagascan artist Joel Andrianomearisoa.

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

So I was a little alarmed when Sohrab pulled soap and shampoo out of his nylon drawstring backpack.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram