vinyl

[ vahyn-l ]

/ ˈvaɪn l /

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noun

Chemistry. the vinyl group, the univalent group C2H3, derived from ethylene.

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.

phonograph records made of vinyl, considered collectively: I'd like to sell my collection of vinyl.
vinyl as the material or medium for such records or recordings: songs recorded on vinyl.

adjective

Chemistry. containing the vinyl group.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of vinyl

1860–65; <Latin vīn(um) wine + -yl

Words nearby vinyl

vintage year, vintner, Vinton, vinum, viny, vinyl, vinyl acetate, vinylacetylene, vinyl alcohol, vinylate, vinylation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use vinyl in a sentence

Their “Heat Moldable Fit System” ensures that the skates break in quickly and conform to your feet, while the vinyl-coated boot is designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Best ice skates: Stay comfortable and in control on the ice|PopSci Commerce Team|March 4, 2021|Popular-Science
Even if those walls are made of vinyl instead of drywall, you’re still not getting the airflow you need to reduce the risk of viral transmission.
When it comes to COVID-19 risk, what counts as ‘outdoor’ dining?|Sara Kiley Watson|January 11, 2021|Popular-Science
A worker closed but didn’t lock the vinyl door of a container, a practice that was common.
A Temp Worker Died on the Job After FedEx Didn’t Fix a Known Hazard. The Fine: $7,000.|by Wendi C. Thomas, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism|December 23, 2020|ProPublica
In April, the company had shipped vinyl dance mats to make dancers’ homes more practice friendly.
Alvin Ailey’s ‘Revelations’ has a place of honor in company’s first virtual season|Celia Wren|December 2, 2020|Washington Post

We’re talking about a clear curtain or some sort of vinyl barrier for the design.
GALA Hispanic Theater reopens with comedy — and plexiglass|Patrick Folliard|October 31, 2020|Washington Blade
Her striking new, vinyl-only single once again confirms St. Vincent's idiosyncratic talent.
Is Bigger Better for St. Vincent?|David Yaffe|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There have been many reactions to the digitization of our lives, like the resurgence of vinyl and the entire Maker movement.
Blurred Lines at NY Sketchbook Museum|Daniel Genis|November 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Actually, the very first thing that came out—the vinyl of Is This It—was released on September 11, 2001.
Julian Casablancas Enters the Void: On the Strokes’ Friction, Why He Left NYC, and Starting Over|Marlow Stern|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In a telling repudiation of its corporate priorities, serious music fans increasingly want to own vinyl from 50 years ago.
Five Lessons the Faltering Music Industry Could Learn From TV|Ted Gioia|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
My social circle at that time was the D.C. punk scene and we were all listening to vinyl.
15 Years After Napster: How the Music Service Changed the Industry|Alex Suskind|June 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It gives millions and millions of people an incentive to rip their old CDs—hell, their old vinyl and tapes, too!
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow

British Dictionary definitions for vinyl

vinyl

/ (ˈvaɪnɪl) /

noun

(modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group of atoms CH 2 CH-a vinyl polymer; vinyl chloride

(modifier) of, consisting of, or made of a vinyl resina vinyl raincoat

any vinyl polymer, resin, or plastic, esp PVC

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

Word Origin for vinyl

C19: from vini- + -yl

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

Scientific definitions for vinyl

vinyl

[ vī′nəl ]

The group C2H3, derived from ethylene.

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

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