poly

/ˈpɒli/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: polys · polying · polyed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A polytechnic.

NounRegister: informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Polyethylene (polythene).

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Polyamorous.

AdjectiveRegister: informal

Examples

Whether the family is poly, L.G.B.T.Q. or another minority, such as a religious one, coming out is very much a personal decision.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To polymorph; to transform by magic.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “poly” mean?

A polytechnic.

Is “poly” formal or informal?

poly is generally informal.