Search Dictionary
Definition of rayon
rayon
/ˈreɪ.ɑːn/
ray · on
Plural:rayons
rayon Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
2
rayon Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A semi-synthetic textile fiber or fabric made from regenerated cellulose (typically derived from wood pulp), known for its smooth texture, soft drape, and silk-like luster.
Example
"The lightweight summer dress was made from a breathable blend of cotton and rayon."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for rayon• Rhymes for rayon
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the United States in 1924 as a generic name for artificial silk, combining English 'ray' (suggesting its lustrous sheen, or French 'rayon' meaning 'beam of light') with the suffix '-on' modeled on 'cotton'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rayon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rayon