polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It could be made to accommodate many of them, although current technology is limited to a few types – polyethylene and polypropylene, used in food containers and bottles – at an industrial scale. — Alexander Kaplitz, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025 Low-density polyethylene is primarily used in plastic film such as shrink wrap and plastic bags. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2025 There are different materials for chin implants, but the two most common are silicone and porous polyethylene, a synthetic thermoplastic. — Macey Hall, Allure, 27 Mar. 2025 Bottle cap technology Most bottle caps for single-use bottles are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). — Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polyethylene

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyethylene was in 1862

Phrases Containing polyethylene

Rhymes for polyethylene

See All Rhymes for polyethylene

Browse Nearby Words

polyethnic
polyethylene
polyethylene glycol
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun
poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on polyethylene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyethylene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All