nylon
B1Neutral to Informal (when referring to stockings). Technical in chemistry/manufacturing contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A strong, elastic synthetic polymer material, originally developed in the 1930s, commonly used for textiles, stockings, ropes, and various molded products.
It can also refer to items made from this material, most famously women's stockings ('a pair of nylons'), or metaphorically to something artificial or synthetic in nature.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a genericized trademark; it is almost always used as a common noun. It primarily functions as a mass noun (e.g., 'made of nylon'), but can be pluralized when referring to stockings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually identical in meaning and use. The plural 'nylons' for stockings is slightly more dated but equally understood. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can have slightly old-fashioned or utilitarian connotations when referring to stockings (vs. 'tights' or 'pantyhose'), but is neutral for the material itself.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects for the material. The term 'nylons' for stockings may be slightly more frequent in older speakers' vocabulary in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] made of/from nylon[verb] + nylon + [noun] (e.g., weave nylon fabric)[noun] + of nylonVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Nylon" is not typically used in idioms. A dated/industry phrase: 'the nylon market'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referencing material costs, supply chains for synthetic textiles, or product specifications (e.g., 'The new line features 100% nylon outer shells').
Academic
In materials science or chemistry, discussing polymer chains, polyamide synthesis, or material properties.
Everyday
Describing clothing, bags, tents, ropes, or fishing line (e.g., 'This backpack is nylon, so it's lightweight and waterproof').
Technical
Specifying polymer type (e.g., 'Nylon 6,6'), tensile strength, melting point, or extrusion processes in engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Nylon is not used as a verb.
American English
- Nylon is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Nylon is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Nylon is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She bought some nylon tights.
- The tent has a nylon flysheet.
American English
- He has a nylon windbreaker.
- The rope is made from nylon cord.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My raincoat is made of nylon.
- The bag is blue nylon.
- Nylon is stronger than many natural materials.
- She prefers cotton socks to nylon ones.
- The invention of nylon revolutionised the textile industry in the mid-20th century.
- This climbing rope uses a special braided nylon core for added safety.
- Critics of fast fashion point to the environmental cost of producing synthetic fibres like nylon from petroleum.
- The polymer's amide linkages are what give nylon its characteristic strength and elasticity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LION with a NYLON mane—strong, synthetic, and not natural.
Conceptual Metaphor
SYNTHETIC IS ARTIFICIAL / DURABILITY IS STRENGTH. Nylon often maps to concepts of man-made durability, reliability, and sometimes a lack of natural luxury.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating "nylon" as "нейлон" in every context. In Russian, "нейлон" is correct for the material, but for stockings, the common term is "колготки" (tights/pantyhose) or "чулки". Using "нейлон" for the item might sound dated or overly specific.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun for the material (e.g., 'a nylon' is wrong; it should be 'a piece of nylon' or 'a nylon rope'). Confusing it with other synthetics like polyester or acrylic.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'nylon' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, originally. It was a trademark of DuPont for their polyamide fibre, but it has become a generic term for similar synthetic materials.
Yes, but usually only when referring to multiple items made of nylon, most commonly women's stockings (e.g., 'She packed three pairs of nylons'). The material itself is uncountable.
They are different types of polymers. Nylon (a polyamide) is generally stronger, more elastic, and has a higher abrasion resistance. Polyester is more resistant to UV light, water, and wrinkles. They are used for different applications.
Nylon is fully synthetic. It is produced chemically from petroleum-based compounds, unlike natural fibres such as cotton or wool.