Search Dictionary
Definition of neoprene

neoprene

/ˈniː.oʊˌpriːn/
ne · o · prene
Plural:neoprenes
JUMP TO:

neoprene Lexical Profile

neoprene Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A family of durable synthetic rubbers produced by the polymerization of chloroprene, valued for its high flexibility, thermal insulation, and resistance to water, oil, and weathering, and widely used in wetsuits, protective sleeves, gaskets, and orthopedic braces.

Example

"The diver wore a thick wetsuit made of neoprene to stay warm in the frigid ocean waters."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for neoprene

• Nearby Words

neon rainbowfish
neon tetra
neonatal
neoprene
neoregelia
neoscholastic
neotropical

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1930s by DuPont chemists from the Greek prefix 'neo-' (meaning 'new') and '-prene' (shortened from 'chloroprene', the chemical compound from which the synthetic rubber is polymerized). Originally registered as the trademark 'Duprene' in 1931, the company changed the name to 'neoprene' in 1937 and released it as a generic term to signify an ingredient material rather than a finished consumer product.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Neoprene. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/neoprene
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.