cement

1 of 2

noun

ce·​ment si-ˈment 

also ˈsē-ment

1

a

: concrete

b

: a powder of alumina, silica, lime, iron oxide, and magnesium oxide burned together in a kiln and finely pulverized and used as an ingredient of mortar and concrete

also : any mixture used for a similar purpose

2

: a binding element or agency: such as

a

: a substance to make objects adhere to each other

b

: something serving to unite firmly

… justice is the cement that holds a political community together.

—R. M. Hutchins

3

: cementum

4

: a plastic composition made especially of zinc or silica for filling dental cavities

5

: the fine-grained groundmass or glass of a porphyry

cement

2 of 2

verb

cemented; cementing; cements

transitive verb

1

: to unite or make firm by or as if by cement

Pebbles were cemented together by clay.

has cemented his role as a leader on the team

—T. W. Smith

2

: to overlay with concrete

cemented the cellar floor

intransitive verb

: to become cemented

cementer noun

Synonyms of cement

Noun

• glue
• adhesive

Examples of cement in a Sentence

Noun

There is a layer of cement under the bricks.

what kind of cement works best on glass and pottery?

Verb

A win would cement her reputation as a strong competitor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The first step, invoked within days, was installing 9,000-pound cement barriers outside airport entrances to prevent a future breach. —Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026

The company also supplied asbestos-cement pipe from 1983 to 1988 used by municipal water systems, sewer systems and other customers. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026

Verb

After several years of gradual development amid shifting roles and a major shoulder injury, Dosunmu cemented himself as an elite two-way player this season. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Dubai has once again cemented its status as the epicenter of ultra-luxury real estate. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sement, from Anglo-French ciment, from Latin caementum stone chips used in making mortar, from caedere to cut

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing cement

• cement mixer
• ferro-cement
• portland cement
• rubber cement

Rhymes for cement

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event
• extent

Kids Definition

cement

1 of 2 noun

ce·​ment si-ˈment 

1

a

: concrete

b

: a fine powder that is produced from a burned mixture chiefly of clay and limestone and used as an ingredient of mortar and concrete

2

a

: a binding element or substance

b

: an adhesive substance

3

a

: cementum

b

: a material for filling cavities in teeth

cement

2 of 2 verb

1

: to unite by or as if by cement

cemented their friendship

2

: to cover with concrete

cementer noun

Medical Definition

cement

noun

ce·​ment si-ˈment 

1

: cementum

2

: a plastic composition made especially of zinc or silica for filling dental cavities