noun

Lycra

LYK-ruh

Lycra (noun) means a stretchy synthetic fabric (a brand name for spandex) used in tight-fitting clothing. Example: “Cyclists often wear padded shorts made of lycra for long rides.”

noun

A stretchy synthetic fabric (a brand name for spandex) used in tight-fitting clothing.

"Cyclists often wear padded shorts made of lycra for long rides."

"The swimsuit was made from a lycra blend that kept its shape in chlorinated water."

Clothing made from this fabric, especially skin-tight sportswear.

"He turned up to the gym head-to-toe in lycra."

How to use Lycra

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishStretchy sportswear fabric, or clothes made from it.

When to use it

Technically a trademark, but used informally as a generic term for stretch sportswear fabric.

Common pairings

lycra shorts dressed in lycra lycra leggings

Word forms

Lycras plural

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Cyclists often wear padded shorts made of _____ for long rides.

Etymology

Originally a trademarked brand name coined by DuPont for its stretch fibre, now used generically.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Lycra” mean?

The word “Lycra” means a stretchy synthetic fabric (a brand name for spandex) used in tight-fitting clothing. In plain terms, stretchy sportswear fabric, or clothes made from it.

How do you pronounce “Lycra”?

“Lycra” is pronounced LYK-ruh ([ˈlaɪkɹə] in IPA).

How do you use “Lycra” in a sentence?

Here is “Lycra” used in a sentence: “Cyclists often wear padded shorts made of lycra for long rides.”

What part of speech is “Lycra”?

“Lycra” is a noun.

How many meanings does “Lycra” have?

“Lycra” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stretchy synthetic fabric (a brand name for spandex) used in tight-fitting clothing.