plastic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Common across all registers from casual to technical.
Quick answer
What does “plastic” mean?
A synthetic or semi-synthetic material, typically made from polymers, that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic or semi-synthetic material, typically made from polymers, that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form.
Capable of being shaped or molded; adaptable, artificial, or superficially attractive; a type of credit card or payment card made of plastic material (e.g., debit/credit cards).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling variations in derivatives (e.g., 'mould' vs. 'mold'), but core usage is identical. The term 'plastic' for credit cards is equally common.
Connotations
Both varieties carry strong negative connotations related to environmental waste. 'Plastic surgery' is common, but 'cosmetic surgery' may be preferred in some contexts.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “plastic” in a Sentence
[BE] made of plastic[VERB] with plasticplastic [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plastic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artist will plastic the clay into a new form. (rare/technical)
American English
- They plasticized the model for durability. (more common)
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used) The material deformed plastically under heat.
American English
- (Rarely used) The metal was shaped plastically.
adjective
British English
- The clay was still plastic and easy to mould.
- Her smile seemed rather plastic.
American English
- The plan remained plastic until the final meeting.
- He hated the plastic feel of the furniture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to payment methods ('We accept plastic'), packaging materials, and manufacturing costs.
Academic
Used in environmental studies, materials science, and sociology (e.g., 'plastic culture').
Everyday
Commonly refers to packaging, bottles, bags, toys, and credit cards.
Technical
Specific types (e.g., polyethylene, PVC), properties (thermoplastic, thermoset), and recycling codes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plastic”
- Using 'a plastic' for singular objects (prefer 'a plastic bottle').
- Confusing 'plastic' (adj: flexible) with 'elastic' (returns to original shape).
- Misspelling as 'plastik'.
- Overusing 'plastic' as a synonym for 'fake' in all contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In its core material sense, it is neutral. Negative connotations arise in environmental contexts ('plastic waste') or when describing something as artificial/insincere ('plastic smile'). In finance ('pay with plastic') and medicine ('plastic surgery') it is standard and neutral.
It is very rare as a standalone verb. The more common verbal forms are 'plasticize' (to make plastic) or the phrasal verb 'plastic over' (to cover with plastic). In most contexts, using 'shape', 'mold', or 'form' is more natural.
'Plastic' deformation is permanent; a material changes shape and stays that way. 'Elastic' deformation is temporary; a material changes shape under force but returns to its original shape when the force is removed (like a rubber band).
It's a metonymy, referencing the physical material (PVC or other plastics) from which the cards are traditionally made. The term became popular in the mid-20th century with the rise of credit cards.
A synthetic or semi-synthetic material, typically made from polymers, that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form.
Plastic is usually common across all registers from casual to technical. in register.
Plastic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈplæstɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈplæstɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Plastic fantastic (dated, referring to credit cards or artificial beauty)”
- “Plastic smile (an insincere smile)”
- “On the plastic (paying with a credit card)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PLASTIC is a FANTASTIC material that can be shaped PLAstically.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLEXIBILITY IS PLASTICITY (e.g., 'The plan is still plastic'); ARTIFICIALITY IS PLASTIC (e.g., 'plastic society').
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'plastic' NOT primarily refer to the material?