What does plastic mean?
Plastic is a common term for a broad family of synthetic materials made from long chains of molecules called polymers. The word is used especially for lightweight, easily shaped, durable substances used in packaging, containers, toys, tools, and many household products. As an adjective, “plastic” can mean made from this material, but it also has figurative uses for things that look polished yet lack substance or natural feeling. A “plastic smile,” for example, is an expression of friendliness that may be artificial or insincere. In American English, “plastic” is also a familiar informal word for a credit card, while “plastic surgery” refers to surgical procedures involving the alteration or reconstruction of the body. The word ultimately comes from Greek roots associated with molding and shaping.
A lightweight, moldable synthetic material made from polymers.
"The cap is made of plastic."
“Plastic” is normally used as a mass noun. The plural “plastics” is used when referring to plastic materials collectively or to different types of plastic.
Made of plastic; resembling plastic; or artificial, superficial, or insincere.
"The company switched from glass bottles to plastic containers."
The figurative sense is usually critical: “plastic” describes a person’s expression, behavior, or style as overly polished, artificial, or lacking genuine feeling.
Used collectively for plastic materials or for different kinds of synthetic material; in ordinary singular contexts, “plastic” is generally a mass noun.
"The recycling facility sorts plastics by type."
Plastic takes its name from the Greek idea of something that can be molded into shape, giving us both the material and the metaphor of a plastic, artificial expression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plastic come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek plastikos, meaning “moulded” or “fit for moulding,” with the underlying root referring to forming or shaping. The English word originally referred to the quality of being suitable for molding, before developing its modern associations with artificial materials. Related words such as plasticity and plastid continue the same Greek root concerned with form, molding, or living matter capable of formation.
Related word forms
How plastic is actually used
As an adjective, “plastic” can describe something made of plastic, something shaped or artificial, or a conspicuously insincere manner. The word is neutral for the material but usually negative or critical when describing behavior or speech.
Easily confused with plastic
Plastic is a synthetic polymer material, whereas plaster is a soft or set material traditionally made from gypsum and used for casts, walls, and repairs.