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
The only accessories needed were a simple metal cuff and a pair of black sunglasses to block out the blinding paparazzi flashes. Irene Kim, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024 Mostly, Invincible Shield is the sound of metal’s true believers spreading their message of salvation through headbanging. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 But across Griffith there are clusters of metal storage tanks, each holding thousands of liters. Reuters, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 Simply slide the metal piece in between the door frame and the locking mechanism, and this best-selling device will keep intruders out while remaining easy to remove from the inside in case of emergency. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2024 Our team also has many fans of Diaspora Co., who sells their coriander in a metal tin—helpful for maintaining freshness, and pretty too. Carly Westerfield, Bon Appétit, 9 Mar. 2024 Unlike a metal detector, Evolv Express is not looking for metal but rather for weapons and parts of weapons only. Marc Hayot, arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2024 Wood requested that the permit be suspended until more data on total particle and metal emissions is provided. Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Jewelry, cash and precious metals stolen from homes have been sold on the black market. The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 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 19 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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