Poly Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A short form of 'polyamorous' (someone who has romantic relationships with more than one person with everyone's consent). It can also mean 'polyester', an artificial material, when used about fabrics.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and mostly used in LGBTQ+ or alternative relationship discussions. As an abbreviation, context is crucial—'poly' can refer to polyamorous people or polyester fabric. Rarely used in formal contexts. Don't confuse with 'polytechnic' (school type).

• Spanish: poliamoroso - poliéster (abreviatura, contexto de materiales)
• Portuguese (BR): poliamoroso - poliéster (abreviação, contexto de materiais)
• Portuguese (PT): poliamoroso - poliéster (abreviação, contexto de materiais)
• Chinese (Simplified): 多配恋（指多重恋爱）- 涤纶（材料，简称）
• Chinese (Traditional): 多配戀（指多重戀愛）- 聚酯纖維（材料，簡稱）
• Hindi: पॉलीअमोरी का समर्थक - पॉलिएस्टर (संक्षिप्त रूप, सामग्री के लिए)
• Arabic: علاقات متعددة (بولياموري) - بوليستر (اختصار للمواد)
• Bengali: পলি (পলিএমরাস ব্যক্তি) - পলি (পলিয়েস্টার কাপড়)
• Russian: поли (полиаморный человек) - поли (полиэстер, ткань)
• Japanese: ポリ（ポリアモリーの人） - ポリ（ポリエステル、布地）
• Vietnamese: poly (người đa ái) - poly (vải polyester)
• Korean: 폴리(폴리아모리, 여러 연애를 하는 사람) - 폴리(폴리에스테르, 옷감)
• Turkish: poli (poliamori kişi) - poli (polyester kumaş)
• Urdu: پولی (پولیموری شخص) - پولی (پولیسٹر، کپڑا)
• Indonesian: poly (orang poliamori) - poly (poliester, kain)

Example Sentences

She identifies as poly and has two partners.

basic

My shirt is made of poly.

basic

Are you poly or monogamous?

basic

These pants feel like cotton, but they're actually poly.

natural

He came out as poly last year, and everyone was really supportive.

natural

Most of my friends in the community are poly.

natural