aluminum

noun

alu·​mi·​num ə-ˈlü-mə-nəm 

: a silver-white metallic chemical element with atomic number 13 that has good electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to oxidation

—often used before another noun

aluminum foil

The sweet spot, the point in a bat where vibration supposedly is least, is said to be two times larger on an aluminum bat than on a wood one.

—Hank Hersch

Before he evacuated, Mr. Gonzales tied the boat down with four gigantic ropes and all the storm could do was knock it off the construction blocks. He slowly climbs a battered aluminum ladder propped up on the port side.

—Ken Wells

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of aluminum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

SmaraQ addresses this issue by developing ultraviolet (UV) waveguides and photonic components composed of aluminum nitride (AlN) and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025

These aluminum pans from Nordic Ware are our top pick for their efficient and even heat distribution, warp-resistant design, easy-to-clean nature, and unbeatable price point. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Nov. 2025

No longer limited to skulking around on a bar cart, metallic finishes like aluminum and brass are in the midst of a dazzling comeback. —Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025

Its frame is made of durable aluminum, with a finish that mimics natural woodgrain, and the seat is woven from all-weather rattan. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alumine "alumina" (borrowed from French, borrowed from Latin alūmin-, alūmen alum entry 1) + -um (in the names of other metals, as platinum entry 1, tantalum)

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing aluminum

• aluminum foil
• aluminum oxide
• aluminum sulfate

Rhymes for aluminum

• aluminium

Kids Definition

aluminum

noun

alu·​mi·​num ə-ˈlü-mə-nəm 

: a silver-white malleable light element that conducts electricity and heat well, is highly resistant to oxidation, and is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust see element

Medical Definition

aluminum

noun

alu·​mi·​num ə-ˈlü-mə-nəm 

: a silver-white malleable ductile light trivalent metallic chemical element with atomic number 13 that has good electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to oxidation

—symbol Al see Chemical Elements Table