acrylic

1 of 2

adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkri-lik 

1

: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives

acrylic polymers

2

: made or consisting of an acrylic

an acrylic window

acrylic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: acrylic resin

b

: a paint in which the vehicle is an acrylic resin

c

: a painting done in an acrylic resin

2

: acrylic fiber

Examples of acrylic in a Sentence

Noun

a painting done in acrylics

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The acrylic painter is known on social media for her paintings of Taylor Swift, Jason Sudeikis, buffalo and sunflowers, and for being one of the few local artists with the license to paint the KU logo and Jayhawk. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

Her fingers, capped in a fresh set of baby pink acrylic nails, were embellished with Super Bowl–size rings featuring her kids’ initials, a blinding diamond (engagement ring), and a copy of Charlie’s Presidential Medal of Freedom. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

Noun

The acrylic, vertical files keep purses upright and prevent them from falling over. — Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

The blanket is woven from acrylic and is made to maintain its color over time. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from French (acide) acrylique, partial translation (with addition of the suffix -ique -ic entry 1) of German Acrylsäure, with acryl- from Acrolein acrolein + -yl -yl

First Known Use

Adjective

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing acrylic

• acrylic acid
• acrylic fiber
• acrylic resin

Rhymes for acrylic

• argillic
• benzylic
• cyrillic
• idyllic
• acidophilic
• dicarboxylic
• electrophilic
• nucleophilic
• tricarboxylic
• amphiphilic
• basophilic
• carboxylic

Kids Definition

acrylic

noun

acryl·​ic

ə-ˈkril-ik

1

: acrylic fiber

2

: a paint containing an acrylic resin

Medical Definition

acrylic

1 of 2 adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkril-ik 

: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives

acrylic polymers

acrylic

2 of 2 noun

: acrylic resin