spandex: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, everyday, technical (in manufacturing/design contexts)
Quick answer
What does “spandex” mean?
A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, commonly used in form-fitting clothing and sportswear.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, commonly used in form-fitting clothing and sportswear.
The material itself, or by extension, items of clothing made from it; also used informally as a metonym for tight, revealing athletic or dance attire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in both varieties. 'Lycra' is perhaps marginally more common as a generic term in UK English.
Connotations
Carries connotations of sport, fitness, dance, and fashion. Can sometimes have a slightly humorous or dated connotation (e.g., 1980s aerobics wear).
Frequency
Equal frequency in both dialects due to the global nature of the product.
Grammar
How to Use “spandex” in a Sentence
[garment] made of spandex[garment] with spandexa blend of cotton and spandexVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spandex” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard. The word is not used as a verb.]
American English
- [Not standard. The word is not used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [Not standard. The word is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Not standard. The word is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- She bought some spandex cycling shorts.
- The costume required a spandex base layer.
American English
- He prefers spandex boxer briefs for the gym.
- The superhero's suit is classic red and blue spandex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In textile manufacturing, retail, and fashion design specifications (e.g., 'The new line features a 95/5 cotton-spandex blend').
Academic
Rare outside of materials science, textile engineering, or cultural studies of fashion/sport.
Everyday
Common when discussing exercise clothing, dancewear, swimsuits, or underwear.
Technical
Used precisely to denote the polyurethane-based synthetic fiber known for high elongation and recovery.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spandex”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I spandexed into my suit' – incorrect). Treating it as always plural (it's usually uncountable). Confusing it with 'spa' or 'span' unrelated meanings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Spandex' is the generic name for the fiber in North America. 'Lycra' is a brand name for spandex owned by The Lycra Company. In other regions like the UK, 'Lycra' is often used generically.
No, it is not recommended. Hot water can break down the elastic fibers, causing spandex to lose its stretch. Always follow the garment's care label, but washing in cool or warm water is typical advice.
Spandex is entirely synthetic. It is a polymer made from polyurethane, developed as a replacement for rubber in clothing.
Pure spandex is very elastic but not particularly durable, breathable, or comfortable on its own. Blending it with fibers like cotton, polyester, or nylon combines the comfort and look of the other material with the essential stretch of spandex.
A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, commonly used in form-fitting clothing and sportswear.
Spandex is usually informal, everyday, technical (in manufacturing/design contexts) in register.
Spandex: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspændɛks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspændɛks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly featuring 'spandex']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SPAN' as in it spans/stretches over your body, and 'DEX' sounds like 'flex', which it allows you to do.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLEXIBILITY IS FREEDOM / CONFINEMENT IS CONSTRICTION (Spandex enables movement, contrasting with restrictive clothing).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of spandex?