# nylon

/ˈnaɪˌɫɑn/ (US) · /nˈaɪlɒn/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. synthetic material

noun · CEFR B2

a strong, light, artificial material used for making clothes, bags, and ropes.

For teachers: a synthetic polyamide polymer characterized by high strength and elasticity, used extensively in the textile and manufacturing industries.

- The tent is made of waterproof nylon to keep us dry during the storm.
- The manufacturer opted for a high-grade nylon weave to ensure the parachute remained lightweight yet capable of withstanding extreme tension.

### 2. stockings

noun · CEFR B2

thin, sheer stockings that women wear on their legs.

For teachers: sheer, close-fitting hosiery for women, traditionally made from nylon yarn.

- She noticed a small hole in her nylons just before the interview started.
- During the mid-twentieth century, nylons became a staple of professional attire, replacing the more expensive silk stockings of previous decades.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form 'nylons' when referring to the garment.

Teaching tip: While 'nylons' is a recognized term, many modern speakers prefer 'tights' or 'stockings' depending on the specific style.

## Examples

- My new jacket is made of waterproof nylon.
- The manufacturer switched from cotton to nylon for the tent fabric to reduce weight and improve durability.
- The invention of nylon in the 1930s revolutionised the textile industry, providing a cheaper and more resilient alternative to natural silk for both consumer goods and military applications.

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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.