vinyl

[ vahyn-l ]

noun

1. Chemistry. the vinyl group, the univalent group C 2 H 3 , derived from ethylene.
2. any resin formed by polymerizing vinyl compounds, or any of a group of plastics made from such resins:

   This flooring is vinyl, although it looks like wood.

3. 1. phonograph records made of vinyl, considered collectively:

      I'd like to sell my collection of vinyl.

   2. vinyl as the material or medium for such records or recordings:

      songs recorded on vinyl.

adjective

1. Chemistry. containing the vinyl group.

vinyl

/ ˈvaɪnɪl /

noun

1. modifier of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group of atoms CH 2 CH-

   vinyl chloride

   a vinyl polymer

2. modifier of, consisting of, or made of a vinyl resin

   a vinyl raincoat

3. any vinyl polymer, resin, or plastic, esp PVC
4. (collectively) conventional records made of vinyl as opposed to compact discs

vinyl

/ vī′nəl /

1. The group C 2 H 3 , derived from ethylene.
2. Any of various chemical compounds, typically highly reactive, that contain this group and are used in making plastics.
3. Any of various plastics made of vinyl, typically tough, flexible, and shiny, often used in upholstery and clothing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vinyl¹

1860–65; < Latin vīn ( um ) wine + -yl

Word History and Origins

Origin of vinyl¹

C19: from vini- + -yl

Example Sentences

Their “Heat Moldable Fit System” ensures that the skates break in quickly and conform to your feet, while the vinyl-coated boot is designed to be durable and long-lasting.

From Popular-Science

Even if those walls are made of vinyl instead of drywall, you’re still not getting the airflow you need to reduce the risk of viral transmission.

From Popular-Science

A worker closed but didn’t lock the vinyl door of a container, a practice that was common.

From ProPublica

In April, the company had shipped vinyl dance mats to make dancers’ homes more practice friendly.

From Washington Post

We’re talking about a clear curtain or some sort of vinyl barrier for the design.

From Washington Blade

Her striking new, vinyl-only single once again confirms St. Vincent's idiosyncratic talent.

From The Daily Beast

There have been many reactions to the digitization of our lives, like the resurgence of vinyl and the entire Maker movement.

From The Daily Beast

Actually, the very first thing that came out—the vinyl of Is This It—was released on September 11, 2001.

From The Daily Beast

In a telling repudiation of its corporate priorities, serious music fans increasingly want to own vinyl from 50 years ago.

From The Daily Beast

My social circle at that time was the D.C. punk scene and we were all listening to vinyl.

From The Daily Beast

It gives millions and millions of people an incentive to rip their old CDs—hell, their old vinyl and tapes, too!

From Project Gutenberg