spandex

American  

[span-deks] / ˈspæn dɛks /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a synthetic fiber composed of a long-chain polymer, used chiefly in the manufacture of garments to add elasticity.

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spandex British  

/ ˈspændɛks /

noun

1. a type of synthetic stretch fabric made from polyurethane fibre

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Etymology

Origin of spandex

First recorded in 1955–60; anagram of expands

Example Sentences

Dress skaters in spandex, power mesh and stretch velvet, and they’ll move like they do in training.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

This purification of pregnancy has seen maternity fashions exploit the full potential of spandex, belts, and bows to annunciate rather than conceal the baby bump.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

He and his staff responded by finding a local tailor and a second-hand sewing machine, and establishing a workshop right inside the rehab facility — using spandex instead of the usual material.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2025

They were dressed in natural fabrics and neutrals, a far and elegant cry from the demented spandex and polyester they so often wore during their years on “Saturday Night Live.”

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2024

That would have been unbearable in the summer heat, especially with the spandex leggings I wore to cover my legs.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad