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

Example Sentences

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

Some 66,000 of those albums were sold on vinyl - making it the biggest-selling physical release of the year.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

The Midnight Hour often makes just enough to keep the lights on, relying on vinyl and merchandise sales that have slowly dwindled as the economic crisis has intensified for people.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

A round stool with a black vinyl cushion sat in the corner of the room.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith