spandex

American

[span-deks] / ˈspæn dɛks /

noun

Chemistry.

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

spandex British

/ ˈspændɛks /

noun

a type of synthetic stretch fabric made from polyurethane fibre

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of spandex

First recorded in 1955–60; anagram of expands

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.

The team behind Vecna opted for a blend of prosthetics, appliances and a spandex suit to film Season 5.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 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

He and his staff responded by finding a local tailor and a second-hand sewing machine, and establishing a workshop right inside the rehab facility — using spandex instead of the usual material.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2025

Behind the facade of hashtags and spandex, however, troubled brewed.

From New York Times • Mar. 13, 2024

That would have been unbearable in the summer heat, especially with the spandex leggings I wore to cover my legs.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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