alloy

1 of 2

noun

al·​loy ˈa-ˌlȯi 

also

ə-ˈlȯi 

1

: the degree of mixture with base metals : fineness

2

: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten

also : the state of union of the components

3

a

: an admixture that lessens value

b

: an impairing alien element

4

: a compound, mixture, or union of different things

an ethnic alloy of many peoples

5

archaic : a metal mixed with a more valuable metal to give durability or some other desired quality

alloy

2 of 2

verb

al·​loy ə-ˈlȯi 

also

ˈa-ˌlȯi 

alloyed; alloying; alloys

transitive verb

1

a

: temper, moderate

b

: to impair or debase by admixture

2

: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal

3

: to mix so as to form an alloy

intransitive verb

: to lend itself to being alloyed

iron alloys well

Synonyms

Noun

• mixture
• amalgam
• blend
• mix
• amalgamation
• composite
• combination
• fusion

Examples of alloy in a Sentence

Noun

testing the properties of various alloys

a part made of aluminum alloy

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Designed to plug directly into a smartphone or PC, the P3’s aluminum alloy body is sleek and sturdy, with the design definitely reflecting Thermal Master's aim for both portability and quality. —New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025

They’re made with durable aluminum alloy and have cork and foam hand grips to keep you comfortable while climbing. —Anna Fiorentino, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025

Verb

The extremely durable and easy-to-use locks are made with steel cables and alloy lock bodies. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

This alloy consists of iron with a chromium content of 17.0-19.0%, 13.0-15.0% of nickel, and 2.5-3.2% molybdenum for the main alloying elements. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French aloi, from Old French alei, from aleir to combine, from Latin alligare to bind — more at ally

First Known Use

Noun

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for alloy

• ahoy
• annoy
• carboy
• convoy
• cowboy
• decoy
• deploy
• destroy
• employ
• employe
• enjoy
• kilroy

Kids Definition

alloy

1 of 2 noun

al·​loy ˈal-ˌȯi 

ə-ˈlȯi

: a substance consisting of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal united usually by being melted together

alloy

2 of 2 verb

al·​loy ə-ˈlȯi 

ˈal-ˌȯi

1

: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal

2

: to mix so as to form an alloy

3

: to make worse by mixing with something else

Medical Definition

alloy

noun

al·​loy ˈal-ˌȯi  ə-ˈlȯi 

1

: the degree of mixture with base metals

2

: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten

also : the state of union of the components

alloy

ə-ˈlȯi  ˈal-ˌȯi 

transitive verb