spandex

noun

span·​dex ˈspan-ˌdeks 

: any of various elastic textile fibers made chiefly of polyurethane

also : clothing made of this material

Did you know?

Spandex is a fiber that has had an impact on fashion high and low, casual and formal, outer and under. It's not a trademark, as a number of the names of other fibers are, among them Dacron, Lycra, and Orlon. It's a generic term, coined in 1959 as an anagram of the word expands. Anagrammatic coinages are not common; the only other in our dictionaries that the average person is likely to be familiar with is sideburns. Sideburns is an anagram (and synonym) of burnsides, from Ambrose E. Burnside, a Union general in the American Civil War credited with originating the fashion (in the U.S., at least) also known as side-whiskers.

Examples of spandex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fiber is made using a process that turns sugarcane into the core ingredients for stretch yarn, the world’s largest spandex manufacturer said. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026

Most recliner slipcovers are at least 4% spandex with other slipcovers reaching up to 15% spandex. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

These cotton, polyester, and spandex-blend crew socks are cute, comfortable, cheeky, and show solidarity with fellow parents. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

For ultimate comfort, the dress has a flowy fit and is made from polyester and spandex that results in an airy, breathable feel that will keep you cool for the summer. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

anagram of expands

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

spandex

noun

span·​dex ˈspan-ˌdeks 

: any of various synthetic elastic textile fibers