ripstop nylon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical, commercial, everyday (specific contexts)
Quick answer
What does “ripstop nylon” mean?
A woven nylon fabric strengthened with thicker threads in a crosshatch pattern to prevent tears from spreading.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woven nylon fabric strengthened with thicker threads in a crosshatch pattern to prevent tears from spreading.
A durable, lightweight synthetic fabric commonly used for outdoor gear, sportswear, and military equipment due to its resistance to tearing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and terminology are identical. No significant dialectal variation.
Connotations
Neutral/technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in contexts related to outdoor activities, fashion, and manufacturing.
Grammar
How to Use “ripstop nylon” in a Sentence
[BE] made of ripstop nylon[HAVE] a ripstop nylon [NOUN][WEAR] ripstop nylon trousersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ripstop nylon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ripstop-nylon construction is key.
- He prefers ripstop-nylon outerwear.
American English
- Look for ripstop-nylon material.
- It's a ripstop-nylon backpack.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in product specifications, supply chain, and marketing for outdoor apparel.
Academic
Found in materials science, textile engineering, and design papers.
Everyday
Used by consumers discussing gear quality, e.g., 'Is this tent ripstop nylon?'
Technical
Precise term in textile manufacturing, outdoor equipment design, and military logistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ripstop nylon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ripstop nylon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ripstop nylon”
- Using 'ripstop' as a verb (e.g., 'This jackets ripstops well').
- Confusing it with generic 'nylon'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. Ripstop nylon is a weave that resists tearing. It can be coated or laminated to become water-resistant or waterproof.
Yes, it's commonly used in durable casual wear like hiking trousers, lightweight jackets, and baseball caps, prized for its strength and low weight.
Regular nylon is a plain weave. Ripstop nylon has a grid of thicker reinforcement threads woven in, creating small squares that stop rips from propagating.
Generally yes, due to the more complex weaving process and the added durability it provides, making it a premium material for demanding applications.
A woven nylon fabric strengthened with thicker threads in a crosshatch pattern to prevent tears from spreading.
Ripstop nylon is usually technical, commercial, everyday (specific contexts) in register.
Ripstop nylon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪpstɒp ˈnaɪlɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪpstɑːp ˈnaɪlɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The fabric STOPS a RIP because of the thick crosshatch threads, and it's made of NYLON.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARMOUR / NET: The crosshatch pattern is like a safety net or chainmail that contains damage.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary functional characteristic of ripstop nylon?