ingot

noun

in·​got ˈiŋ-gət 

1

: a mass of metal cast into a convenient shape for storage or transportation to be later processed

2

: a mold in which metal is cast

Did you know?

An ingot is a mass of metal that has been cast into a size and shape (such as a bar, plate, or sheet) that is convenient to store, transport, and work into a semi-finished or finished product. The term also refers to a mold in which metal is so cast. Steel ingots range in size from small rectangular blocks weighing a few pounds (or kilograms) to huge, tapered, octagonal masses weighing more than 500 tons (450 metric tons).

Examples of ingot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These metals are refined on site, ingots poured and stacked, barrels upon barrels massed neatly at the river port, ready for shipping. —Big Think, 26 Aug. 2025

The new spot has Chalamet visiting a produce store selling rare vegetables where the owner only accepts antiquated forms of payment — think iron ingots, salts, and cowrie shells. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 July 2025

The encounter then opens up a conversation about how the owner only accepts antiquated forms of payment like iron ingots, salts and cowrie shells. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2025

Spectro Alloy employs about 150 workers in its original aluminum recycling plant, which makes 28-pound bricks, called ingots, that eventually become parts for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Polaris ATVs and products made by companies like General Motors, Tesla, Black & Decker and Caterpillar. —Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, perhaps modification of Middle French lingot ingot of metal, incorrectly divided as l'ingot, as if from le the

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing ingot

• ingot iron

Kids Definition

ingot

noun

in·​got ˈiŋ-gət 

: a mass of metal cast into a shape that is easy to handle or store