elastic
ih-LAHS-tihk
Elastic (adjective) means Able to stretch and then spring back to its original shape. Example: “The waistband is elastic, so the trousers fit a range of sizes.”
adjective
1
Able to stretch and then spring back to its original shape.
"The waistband is elastic, so the trousers fit a range of sizes."
"A rubber band is elastic — pull it and it snaps back."
2
Flexible and able to adapt readily to change.
"Her elastic schedule let her rearrange meetings at short notice."
noun
1
A stretchy band or material used to hold or fasten things, such as in clothing or hair.
"She tied her hair back with an elastic."
"The bag of oranges was sealed with a thick elastic."
How to use elastic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStretchy and able to return to its original shape — or, more broadly, flexible and adaptable.
Common pairings
elastic band
elastic waistband
elastic demand
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Word forms
- Plural
- elastics
- Comparative
- more elastic
- Superlative
- most elastic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The waistband is _____, so the trousers fit a range of sizes.
Etymology
From French élastique, based on New Latin elasticus, ultimately from Greek elastós, "ductile" or able to be stretched.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for elastic
See all rhymes for elastic →Frequently asked questions
What does “elastic” mean?
The word “elastic” means able to stretch and then spring back to its original shape. In plain terms, stretchy and able to return to its original shape — or, more broadly, flexible and adaptable.
How do you pronounce “elastic”?
“Elastic” is pronounced ih-LAHS-tihk (/ə-/ in IPA).
How do you use “elastic” in a sentence?
Here is “elastic” used in a sentence: “The waistband is elastic, so the trousers fit a range of sizes.”
What is another word for “elastic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “elastic” include stretchy, stretchable and resilient.
What is the opposite of “elastic”?
The opposite of “elastic” — its antonyms — are anelastic, inelastic and nonelastic.
What part of speech is “elastic”?
Depending on how it is used, “elastic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “elastic” come from?
The word “elastic” comes from New Latin. From French élastique, based on New Latin elasticus, ultimately from Greek elastós, "ductile" or able to be stretched.
Is “elastic” a common word?
“Elastic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between "elastic" and "flexible"?
"Elastic" specifically describes something that stretches and then springs back to its original shape, such as a rubber band. "Flexible" more broadly describes something that bends or adapts easily without necessarily implying a return to its original form.
Can "elastic" describe non-physical things like plans or attitudes?
Yes, "elastic" is often used figuratively to describe something flexible and able to adapt readily to change, such as an "elastic schedule" or "elastic policy." This extends the physical sense of stretching to abstract adaptability.
What is the difference between "elastic" as a noun and as an adjective?
As a noun, "elastic" refers to a stretchy band or material, such as the elastic in a waistband. As an adjective, it describes the quality of being stretchy or adaptable, as in "an elastic fabric" or "an elastic approach."
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