plastics

American

[plas-tiks] / ˈplæs tɪks /

adjective

of or relating to a plastic or plastics.

a plastics firm; plastics research.

Etymology

Origin of plastics

First recorded in 1920–25; see origin at plastic, -ics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Results produced using these novel analytical methods provide guidance on the use of recycled plastics over virgin plastics in roadways.

From Science Daily • Jun. 28, 2026

A flood of cheaper imported recycled plastic and cheap new plastic, plus a collapse in commodity prices, has forced the closure of 25% of U.S. plastics recycling processing capacity since early 2025.

From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026

The country is dialing back operations at the plants that turn crude oil into feedstock for materials such as plastics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Concern has grown over disposable children’s diapers, many of which contain chemicals, plastics and other ingredients linked to health and environmental risks.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

If it was all okay they were to start production in plastics factories all over the country.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023