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. 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 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

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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

This nylon Maxi Petticoat from the spring/summer 2026 collection, with its asymmetrical hemline and voluminous fit, is a kind of architecture, a way to build yourself into the world around you.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

"The other tracksuit was really tight nylon," explained O'Neill of what he wore against Falkirk.

From BBC • Nov. 2, 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

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

It had been replaced by a nylon, light-weight flight jacket that was bled of glamour or romance.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy