refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
1
: the action or process of refining
2
: the quality or state of being refined : cultivation
3
a
: a refined feature or method
b
: a highly refined distinction : subtlety
c
: a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

Examples of refinement in a Sentence

the recent refinements in this area of medical technology had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls
Recent Examples on the Web The plan will also include the refinement of the Jamaica, Queens neighborhood granting a promising future for the staple neighborhood. Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 There’s simply no island in the Caribbean that matches St. Barts’s refinement, sophistication, security, luxury shopping, and superb culinary options. Nicolas Stecher, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 Further refinements such as local taxes, permits and restrictions will come in the months ahead. Debbie Arrington, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024 Data Processing: Crafting The Raw Into The Refined Once collected, the raw data enters the second phase of its journey—processing and refinement. Sandro Shubladze, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Besides, in today’s Russia, the empire is embraced as a symbol of formidable force rather than cultural refinement. Pavel Khazanov, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 With unusual off-center framing, the camera of cinematographer Charlie Goodger tries to match the dynamic nimbleness and refinement of Anthony’s physicality when practicing. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 9 Feb. 2024 Charming and mysterious, Jay Shorey strives to balance his connection to the Chicago underworld with his desperate yearning for the refinement and protection of high society. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024 This dissonance between the veneer of refinement and the sinister forces pulsing beneath has become especially stark in recent decades, as the United Kingdom, stripped of its empire, has found a new role as a commodious base for global kleptocrats. Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refinement was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near refinement

Cite this Entry

“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refinement. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

refinement

noun
re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
1
: the action or process of refining
2
: the state of being refined : cultivation
3
a
: something that has been refined
refinements in dress and behavior
b
: something intended to improve or refine

More from Merriam-Webster on refinement

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