metal

1 of 2

noun

met·​al ˈme-tᵊl How to pronounce metal (audio)
often attributive
1
: any of various opaque, fusible, ductile, and typically lustrous substances that are good conductors of electricity and heat, form cations by loss of electrons, and yield basic oxides and hydroxides
especially : one that is a chemical element as distinguished from an alloy
2
b
: the substance out of which a person or thing is made
3
: glass in its molten state
4
a
: printing type metal
b
: matter set in metal type
5
6

metal

2 of 2

verb

metaled or metalled; metaling or metalling

transitive verb

: to cover or furnish with metal

Examples of metal in a Sentence

Noun a mixture of various kinds of metal sculptors who work in metal and clay a mixture of different metals
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Among the tips and tricks offered by Redditors: Try a a long metal bar spoon or a half-teaspoon measuring spoon. Allison Morrow, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024 The headsets were made out of metal and dipped in liquid mirror coating. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 23 Mar. 2024 Many white-barrel L zooms are full metal, but here Canon uses a mix of metal and polycarbonate elements for construction. PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2024 The evidence clearly suggests that the rampant fears that sanctions on Russian metals will destabilize the global economy are unfounded. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2024 Blending industrial metal with electronic music, KMFDM is a hard-working outfit that tours frequently and churns out new albums prodigiously. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 The decor is notably modern and edgy with polished metal and mirror accents, sharp angles, and abstract art, with the resort surroundings a stark contrast within the Garza Blanca Preserve’s verdant jungle. Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 The cold metal applicator deposits a silky fluid directly onto the delicate skin around the eyes. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2024
Verb
Masks, for instance, have metal nose clips, polypropylene filters and elastic headbands. Charles Schmidt, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2022 The particles of glass and/or metal the company found in some drinks are likely very small. Chris Smith, BGR, 23 Nov. 2021 The silicone holder attaches to metal vehicle surfaces (don’t try it on aluminum or fiberglass). Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, 2 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin metallum mine, metal, from Greek metallon

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metal was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near metal

Cite this Entry

“Metal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

metal

noun
met·​al
ˈmet-ᵊl
1
: any of various substances (as gold, tin, or copper) that have a more or less shiny appearance, are good conductors of electricity and heat, can be melted, and are usually capable of being shaped
especially : one that is a chemical element rather than an alloy
2
metal adjective

Medical Definition

metal

noun
met·​al ˈmet-ᵊl How to pronounce metal (audio)
: any of various opaque, fusible, ductile, and typically lustrous substances that are good conductors of electricity and heat, form cations by loss of electrons, and yield basic oxides and hydroxides
especially : one that is a chemical element as distinguished from an alloy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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