elas·tic
i-ˈla-stik 
1
a
of a solid
: capable of recovering size and shape after deformation
b
: relating to or being a collision between particles in which the total kinetic energy of the particles remains unchanged
2
: capable of recovering quickly especially from depression or disappointment
my elastic spirits revived—
Wilkie Collins
Wilkie Collins3
: capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape : flexible
an elastic bandage
4
a
: capable of ready change or easy expansion or contraction : not rigid or constricted
an elastic concept
b
: receptive to new ideas : adaptable
an elastic mind
1
a
: easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands
b
2
a
: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b
: something made from this fabric
Synonyms
Examples of elastic in a Sentence
Adjective
when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans
Noun
She wrapped an elastic around the cards.
Recent Examples on the WebNicol Natale, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
But the elastic mesh pocket has great stretch and ended up being the secure home for my wallet and hand sanitizer.
—Patrice J. Williams, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2024
Even more, thanks to its super-soft feel coupled with elastic material, this dress is made for comfortable all-day wearing.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024
Among the children was Gazal Bakr, a four-year-old wearing a miniature maroon Adidas tracksuit, its left pant leg tucked up into the elastic waistband.
—Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2024
The organic cotton feels soft against the skin, while a knit elastic waistband gives tiny bellies room to breathe.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 18 Mar. 2024
The resulting dough was slightly sticky but quite elastic and easy to work with.
—Laura Denby, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2024
The V-neck wrap dress features cute ruffle short sleeves, an elastic high waist with a tie belt, and a pleated hem.
—Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2024
The subtly oversized silhouette comes in sizes S–XXL, and it’s accented with a V-neckline and long bell sleeves with elastic cuffs.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024
Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 10 Mar. 2024
There also aren’t any harsh bands or elastics throughout the bra that could cause discomfort.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024
The smocked elastic can be worn on or off the shoulders, and the flowy hem adds movement that works perfectly over leggings or jeans.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2024
In addition to the bra band’s thickness, Caldwell says to consider features such as hook and eye closures, a breathable mesh or perforated material, and a firmer elastic that doesn’t stretch as easily for added support.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024
The slip-in cup came later, as the little piece of fabric and elastic moved into the sports world, around the 1920s.
—Leanne Italie, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024
What to Consider Tablets are affixed to the case with elastics, which may feel a little insecure.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2023
Her straightened style is pulled way up high and secured at the tippy-top of the crown with a black elastic.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 30 Jan. 2024
Step 4: Secure Bag Over Shower Head Or Submerge Into Vinegar Solution
Secure the bag over the shower head with a rubber band, string, twist ties, or strong hair elastics.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2024
Adjective
The skirt has a maxi silhouette that offers great coverage and an elastic waist that stretches to move with you, along with functional side pockets.
—Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
But the elastic mesh pocket has great stretch and ended up being the secure home for my wallet and hand sanitizer.
—Patrice J. Williams, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2024
Even more, thanks to its super-soft feel coupled with elastic material, this dress is made for comfortable all-day wearing.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024
Among the children was Gazal Bakr, a four-year-old wearing a miniature maroon Adidas tracksuit, its left pant leg tucked up into the elastic waistband.
—Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2024
The organic cotton feels soft against the skin, while a knit elastic waistband gives tiny bellies room to breathe.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 18 Mar. 2024
The resulting dough was slightly sticky but quite elastic and easy to work with.
—Laura Denby, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2024
The V-neck wrap dress features cute ruffle short sleeves, an elastic high waist with a tie belt, and a pleated hem.
—Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2024
The subtly oversized silhouette comes in sizes S–XXL, and it’s accented with a V-neckline and long bell sleeves with elastic cuffs.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024
Noun
Not only did all the liquid get soaked up almost immediately, but our testing found that the outside of the diaper and the leg elastic remained dry, too.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 10 Mar. 2024
There also aren’t any harsh bands or elastics throughout the bra that could cause discomfort.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024
The smocked elastic can be worn on or off the shoulders, and the flowy hem adds movement that works perfectly over leggings or jeans.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2024
In addition to the bra band’s thickness, Caldwell says to consider features such as hook and eye closures, a breathable mesh or perforated material, and a firmer elastic that doesn’t stretch as easily for added support.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024
The slip-in cup came later, as the little piece of fabric and elastic moved into the sports world, around the 1920s.
—Leanne Italie, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024
What to Consider Tablets are affixed to the case with elastics, which may feel a little insecure.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2023
Her straightened style is pulled way up high and secured at the tippy-top of the crown with a black elastic.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 30 Jan. 2024
Step 4: Secure Bag Over Shower Head Or Submerge Into Vinegar Solution
Secure the bag over the shower head with a rubber band, string, twist ties, or strong hair elastics.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elastic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near elastic
Cite this Entry
“Elastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elastic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elastic
1 of 2 adjective
elas·tic
i-ˈlas-tik
1
a
: capable of returning to original shape or size after being stretched, pressed, or squeezed together
sponges are elastic
b
: capable of indefinite expansion
gases are elastic substances
2
: able to recover quickly especially from sadness or disappointment
youthful, elastic spirit
3
: capable of being changed : flexible
an elastic plan
elasticity
noun
i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē
ˌē-ˌlas-
elastic
2 of 2 noun1
2
a
: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b
: something made from elastic fabric
Medical Definition
elastic
1 of 2 adjective
elas·tic
i-ˈlas-tik
1
a
of a solid
: capable of recovering size and shape after deformation
b
of a liquid
: capable of resisting compression
c
of a gas
: capable of indefinite expansion
2
: capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape
elastic
2 of 2 noun1
a
: easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands
b
: a band of elastic used especially in orthodontics
also
: one placed around a tooth at the gumline in effecting its nonsurgical removal
2
a
: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b
: something made from this fabric
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