# acrylic

/əˈkɹɪɫɪk/ (US) · /ɐkɹˈɪlɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acrylic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. made of synthetic material

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

made from a type of plastic or chemical, often used for clothes or paint.

For teachers: pertaining to or containing polymers derived from acrylic acid or acrylonitrile.

- She bought a warm acrylic sweater because it was cheaper than wool.
- The manufacturer transitioned to acrylic fibres to improve the durability and moisture-wicking properties of their outdoor apparel line.

### 2. a type of paint

noun · CEFR B2

a fast-drying paint used by artists that can be mixed with water.

For teachers: a quick-drying water-soluble paint medium consisting of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion.

- The artist used bright acrylics to capture the sunset on the canvas.
- Acrylics are often preferred by contemporary muralists due to their rapid drying time and resistance to weather-induced fading.

### 3. clear plastic sheet

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a hard, clear plastic material often used instead of glass.

For teachers: a rigid, transparent synthetic plastic material, often used as a shatterproof alternative to glass.

- The protective screen was made of a thick sheet of acrylic.
- The architect specified high-grade acrylic for the skylights to reduce the overall weight of the roof structure while maintaining clarity.

## Examples

- She bought a bright acrylic jacket.
- The artist mixed acrylic paint with water to create a soft, watercolor-like effect on the canvas.
- Modern fashion often utilizes lightweight acrylic fibers to mimic the texture and drape of natural wool without the associated maintenance costs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.