gypsum

noun

gyp·​sum ˈjip-səm 

1

: a widely distributed mineral consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate that is used especially as a soil amendment and in making plaster of paris

2

: drywall

Examples of gypsum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This product is usually applied to gardens with a broadcast spreader at a rate of around ½ pound of gypsum per square foot of space. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2025

Before that, a Roman grave filled with gypsum was found during a highway construction project in England. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025

The sand is made of gypsum, which, unlike other desert sands, is cool to the touch. —Katherine Larson july 16, Literary Hub, 16 July 2025

What happens if there’s a leak, the drywall gets wet, and the gypsum core turns to mush at the anchor location? Don’t forget to take the requisite photographs or videos of the blocking before it gets covered up. —Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek gypsos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gypsum

noun

gyp·​sum ˈjip-səm 

: a colorless mineral that consists of calcium sulfate occurring in crystals or masses and that is used especially as a soil improver and in making plaster of paris

Medical Definition

gypsum

noun

gyp·​sum ˈjip-səm 

: a widely distributed mineral CaSO₄·2H₂O consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate that is used especially as a soil amendment and in making plaster of paris