spandex
n.n. a stretchy fabric used to make clothes like yoga pants, swimsuits, and tight-fitting shirts. It is very flexible and stays close to your skin.
n. a synthetic fiber known for its high elasticity and resistance to stretching. Often used in the production of athletic wear, swimwear, and compression garments.
She bought a pair of spandex leggings for her gym class.
The manufacturer replaced the cotton lining with spandex to ensure the uniform would fit snugly during high-intensity training.
While cotton remains popular for casual wear, spandex is the material of choice for performance apparel due to its ability to return to its original shape after being stretched to its limit.
Coined as an anagram of the word expands.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 19, 2026