polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation
Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Made with weather-resistant polyethylene, the table and chairs are extremely durable, low maintenance, and rust-resistant.
—
Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
The new wetsuits that worked best were made of strong and light fiber that is often used to make sailing rope and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025
Single-use plastic bottles are made of a thin plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate, or PET.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, less than five millimeters long, derived from the breakdown of larger plastics or manufactured at that size for commercial use; common polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
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Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
The new wetsuits that worked best were made of strong and light fiber that is often used to make sailing rope and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025
Single-use plastic bottles are made of a thin plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate, or PET.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, less than five millimeters long, derived from the breakdown of larger plastics or manufactured at that size for commercial use; common polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging
Medical Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing
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