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

For the 2024 Le Nouveau Printemps festival in Toulouse, France, the artist produced Lady’s Glove, 2024, a public artwork adorning a 5G cell tower with vinyl foxglove stickers, an LED monitor playing videos, and an oversize aluminum heart charm. —Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026

Woods Design is also offering an aluminum version as part of this campaign, which is still lightweight and durable but just not as sturdy as the titanium bracelet. —New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026

If aluminum prices hold steady and cost pressures diminish, the company’s operating leverage could spark another phase of earnings growth. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Starting in the month of September 2025, Opland collected aluminum pop tabs to support the Ronald McDonald House, which helps families of seriously ill children stay close to medical care. —Samantha Laurey, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 30 Jan. 2026

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