spandex

American  

[span-deks] / ˈspæn dɛks /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a synthetic fiber composed of a long-chain polymer, used chiefly in the manufacture of garments to add elasticity.

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spandex British  

/ ˈspændɛks /

noun

1. a type of synthetic stretch fabric made from polyurethane fibre

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Etymology

Origin of spandex

First recorded in 1955–60; anagram of expands

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spandex

Bob Roll should throw on his 7-Eleven spandex and try to sneak into the peloton.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

Benedict dives into the normalization of comedic actors putting on 30 pounds of muscle to convincingly wear spandex and crack jokes at alien hordes.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2025

This purification of pregnancy has seen maternity fashions exploit the full potential of spandex, belts, and bows to annunciate rather than conceal the baby bump.

From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2025

You may even imagine the sweet, sweet fragrance of spandex, sweat and popcorn wafting in the air.

From New York Times ● Apr. 1, 2024

In the second room was either Dana’s mother or Dana himself, wearing red spandex pants and a ratty wig.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen