polyester

American  

[pol-ee-es-ter, pol-ee-es-ter] / ˈpɒl iˌɛs tər, ˌpɒl iˈɛs tər /

noun

1. Chemistry. a polymer in which the monomer units are linked together by the group –COO–, usually formed by polymerizing a polyhydric alcohol with a polybasic acid: used chiefly in the manufacture of resins, plastics, and textile fibers.

2. Also called poly.  a fabric made from such textile fibers.

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polyester British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈɛstə /

noun

1. any of a large class of synthetic materials that are polymers containing recurring -COO- groups: used as plastics, textile fibres, and adhesives

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polyester Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-ĕs′tər /

1. Any of various mostly synthetic polymers that are light, strong resins resistant to weather and corrosion. Polyesters are long chains of esters and are used to make fibers and plastics. They are thermosetting. Some polyesters, such as suberin, occur naturally.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• polyesterification
  noun

Etymology

Origin of polyester

First recorded in 1925–30; poly- + ester

Explanation

Polyester is a synthetic fabric used in everything from kayaks to shirts. Polyester clothes were popular in the 1970s, but they stink if you disco dance in them for too long. Polyester doesn’t breathe! You might think of polyester as a cheap alternative to a natural fabric like wool, silk, or cotton. In certain situations, though, polyester is ideal. Shirts that are a blend of cotton and polyester, for example, don't wrinkle easily; and a sofa covered in polyester is easy to clean. Polyester jackets are often quick drying or even waterproof. Polyester comes from a combination of two common words in chemistry, polymer (having many parts) and -ester (a chemical compound).

Example Sentences

That boss later advised him to stop wearing polyester ties and trade them for Hermès.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Tents - particularly polyester tents - act like mini greenhouses trapping heat inside them, from your body and the sun.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Lu also said that petroleum is a major input in materials like polyester, a challenge for clothing companies as the Iran war drives oil prices higher.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

The endeavor has also failed to widely capture the interest of shoppers and designers, especially when polyester and other materials fetch much lower prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

He’s wearing another interesting outfit today: white button-up shirt with a light blue tie, polyester khakis, and, of course, black dress socks.

From "The Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer L. Holm