Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a versatile synthetic polymer used in various applications due to its water solubility, film-forming and hydrogel-forming capabilities, nontoxicity, crystallinity, mechanical properties, chemical inertness, stability in biological fluids, and superior oxygen and gas barrier properties. However, pure PVA has limitations such as low stability in water, limited flexibility, and poor biocompatibility and biodegradability. These issues can be addressed by mixing PVA with other synthetic polymers, biomolecules, or inorganic/organic compounds, which enhances its performance and introduces new functionalities. The review focuses on recent advances in PVA-based hydrogels, including their structure, properties, and preparation methods. PVA hydrogels can be physically or chemically crosslinked, with physical crosslinking being preferred for its non-toxicity and tunable viscoelastic properties. Physical crosslinking methods include repeated freezing/thawing cycles, non-cryogenic physical gelation, and combined methods. Chemical crosslinking involves creating chemical bonds between PVA macromolecules, improving mechanical properties and stability but potentially introducing toxicity or undesirable reactions. PVA hydrogels have a wide range of applications, including wound dressings, tissue engineering, drug delivery, cell culture, artificial muscles and organs, sensors, soft robotics, food packaging, and environmental applications. The properties and functions of PVA hydrogels can be fine-tuned by selecting appropriate crosslinking methods, PVA characteristics, and other components. Recent studies have explored the use of PVA hydrogels in composite and nanomaterials, with synergistic effects observed when combining natural and synthetic polymers, proteins, and peptides. The review also highlights the importance of PVA hydrogels in biomedical and engineering fields, such as wound healing, tissue engineering, and bioelectronics. Composite and hybrid hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility are discussed, along with their potential in promoting wound healing and supporting tissue growth.Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a versatile synthetic polymer used in various applications due to its water solubility, film-forming and hydrogel-forming capabilities, nontoxicity, crystallinity, mechanical properties, chemical inertness, stability in biological fluids, and superior oxygen and gas barrier properties. However, pure PVA has limitations such as low stability in water, limited flexibility, and poor biocompatibility and biodegradability. These issues can be addressed by mixing PVA with other synthetic polymers, biomolecules, or inorganic/organic compounds, which enhances its performance and introduces new functionalities. The review focuses on recent advances in PVA-based hydrogels, including their structure, properties, and preparation methods. PVA hydrogels can be physically or chemically crosslinked, with physical crosslinking being preferred for its non-toxicity and tunable viscoelastic properties. Physical crosslinking methods include repeated freezing/thawing cycles, non-cryogenic physical gelation, and combined methods. Chemical crosslinking involves creating chemical bonds between PVA macromolecules, improving mechanical properties and stability but potentially introducing toxicity or undesirable reactions. PVA hydrogels have a wide range of applications, including wound dressings, tissue engineering, drug delivery, cell culture, artificial muscles and organs, sensors, soft robotics, food packaging, and environmental applications. The properties and functions of PVA hydrogels can be fine-tuned by selecting appropriate crosslinking methods, PVA characteristics, and other components. Recent studies have explored the use of PVA hydrogels in composite and nanomaterials, with synergistic effects observed when combining natural and synthetic polymers, proteins, and peptides. The review also highlights the importance of PVA hydrogels in biomedical and engineering fields, such as wound healing, tissue engineering, and bioelectronics. Composite and hybrid hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility are discussed, along with their potential in promoting wound healing and supporting tissue growth.