vinyl

American  

[vahyn-l] / ˈvaɪn l /

noun

1. Chemistry. the vinyl group, the univalent group C 2 H 3 , derived from ethylene.

2. any resin formed by polymerizing vinyl compounds, or any of a group of plastics made from such resins.

   This flooring is vinyl, although it looks like wood.

3. 1. phonograph records made of vinyl, considered collectively.

      I'd like to sell my collection of vinyl.

   2. vinyl as the material or medium for such records or recordings.

      songs recorded on vinyl.

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adjective

1. Chemistry. containing the vinyl group.

vinyl British  

/ ˈvaɪnɪl /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group of atoms CH 2 CH-

   a vinyl polymer

   vinyl chloride

2. (modifier) of, consisting of, or made of a vinyl resin

   a vinyl raincoat

3. any vinyl polymer, resin, or plastic, esp PVC

4. (collectively) conventional records made of vinyl as opposed to compact discs

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vinyl Scientific  

/ vī′nəl /

1. The group C ₂ H ₃, derived from ethylene.

2. Any of various chemical compounds, typically highly reactive, that contain this group and are used in making plastics.

3. Any of various plastics made of vinyl, typically tough, flexible, and shiny, often used in upholstery and clothing.

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Etymology

Origin of vinyl

1860–65; < Latin vīn ( um ) wine + -yl

Explanation

Vinyl is a common type of plastic that's often found on kitchen floors, in plumbing pipes and fittings, and in medical equipment. If you have a record player, you might enjoy hunting for vintage vinyl records at your local music store or thrift shop. It would be hard to get through an entire day without using, or at least seeing, vinyl. From underground sewer pipes to raincoats, boots, toys, and water bottles, vinyl is all around us. Before CDs (and streaming services), music was pressed on vinyl, and some people think music sounds better this way. This versatile material was discovered accidentally in the 1920s by a scientist who experimented with it by making shoe heels and golf balls. Vinyl is short for polyvinyl, or "a polymer of vinyl chloride."

Example Sentences

As one of the site’s Nation Builders—first-person interpreters portraying figures of Revolutionary America—Smith regularly fields autograph requests and accepts gifts: a custom mug tiled with his own face, a vinyl album of original Jefferson ballads.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The classic LP, arranged by Nelson Riddle and now available in a 70th-anniversary vinyl edition from Blue Note, persuasively puts classic love songs to a faster, jazzy beat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Revenues from physical formats were up, including from vinyl which grew 13.7 percent.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Though vinyl records continue to make a strong comeback, streaming made up more than 80% of total U.S. revenue.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

As we move through this ferry with its gleaming floor tiles and its vinyl booths and bolted-down seats, emotions rise up within me, competing for my attention.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day