Meanings
polyfill1
- uncountableA synthetic textile used for bulk or insulation, e.g., in stuffed animals or coats.
The first article, designated a troll, is 12 inches tall, composed of polyfill with a cotton knit shell.
1989 June 14, John Durant, “Classification of stuffed doll and stuffed clown rattle”, in Commodity Classification Under the Harmonized System, volume 1, number 4, United States Customs Service, page 2151 more example
The racks include blouses and sweaters and some polyfill vests, with corduroy coats and outerwear due to be in stock as the weather cools.
1981 October 11, Jeanne Clare Feron, “Careful Shopper; Elmsford Warehouse A Weekend Store”, in New York Times, page 16
polyfill2
- uncountablecomputerAn algorithm to fill a polygon with a particular color.
In the process i have come up with the following algorithm , and i wonder if it is a good one (i.e. fast), and also if anyone can give me tips on any other fast polyfill algoritm^([sic]).
1992 February 3, Paal K Holmberg, “question on polyfill algorithm”, in comp.graphics (Usenet), message-ID <1992Feb3.120657.7173@alf.uib.no>
polyfill3
plural polyfills
- web developmentA plugin that provides the functionality of newer browsers to older versions.
A common way to group elements for collective use by JavaScript is to assign them the same (CSS) class and then to use getElementsByClassName(). Possibly with a polyfill for the "certain old browser".
2016 April 17, Stefan Weiss, “A few problems with looping thru a set of elements with the same "name" specifier.”, in comp.lang.javascript (Usenet), message-ID <nf03hk$bll$1@news.albasani.net>
present singular third person polyfills · participle present polyfilling · participle past polyfilled · past polyfilled
- intransitivetransitiveweb developmentTo create or apply a polyfill.
See the FAQ. Or polyfill String.prototype.trim() if necessary and just call .trim().
2017 January 17, Thomas 'PointedEars' Lahn, “form sending undefined”, in comp.lang.javascript (Usenet), message-ID <1645793.CQOukoFCf9@PointedEars.de>
Origin
polyfill · noun, verb
Named with reference to the spackling paste Polyfilla.
Full word history & related roots →Translations
Japanese ポリフィル
- ポリフィル (porifiru)plugin that provides functionality of newer browsers
Cite this entry
polyfill. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/polyfill
“polyfill.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/polyfill. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “polyfill,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/polyfill.
Source: polyfill on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.