ENGLISH
REFERENCE

poly

n. · adj.
US //ˈpɑɫi// UK //pˈɒli// poly
  1. 1 a college (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informal

    a polytechnic, which is a type of college that focuses on practical or technical subjects.

    a polytechnic college. This usage is primarily British and often refers to institutions that were converted into universities in the early 1990s.

    Example

    My dad studied engineering at the local poly before it became a university.

    Example

    Before the 1992 reforms, many students preferred the vocational focus of a poly over the more theoretical approach of traditional universities.

    Usage

    Usually used with 'the' when referring to a specific local institution.

    Teacher's tip

    In the UK, most 'polys' are now officially universities, so this term is increasingly used by older generations or in a historical context.
  2. 2 plastic or fabric (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Technical Technical

    a short way to say polyester, polyethylene, or other plastic materials.

    a clipping for various polymers, including polyester, polyethylene, or polyurethane, depending on the industry.

    Example

    This shirt is a poly-cotton blend, so it doesn't wrinkle easily.

    Example

    The manufacturer switched to a high-density poly for the casing to improve the product's impact resistance.

    Usage

    Often appears as a prefix in compound words like 'poly-tunnel' or 'poly-blend'.
  3. 3 polyamory (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    a person who has more than one romantic partner at the same time, or the practice itself.

    a clipping for polyamory or a polyamorous person; refers to the practice of engaging in multiple romantic relationships with the consent of all involved.

    Example

    They have been poly for years and find that it works well for their family.

    Example

    The community centre hosted a meetup for people who identify as poly to discuss navigating complex relationship dynamics.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a modern social term; it can be used as both a noun for the person and an adjective for the lifestyle.
    • polyamorous
    • non monogamous
  4. 4 polyamorous (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    describing a person or relationship that involves more than one partner.

    relating to polyamory; used as a predicative or attributive adjective in informal registers.

    Example

    She is in a poly relationship and is very happy with her partners.

    Example

    Navigating poly dynamics requires a high level of communication and emotional intelligence from everyone involved.
    • non monogamous
Etymology 1

Shortening of various words.

Etymology 2

From Latin polium, the name of a plant, perhaps Teucrium polium.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026