cement

1 of 3

noun (1)

ce·​ment si-ˈment How to pronounce cement (audio)
also ˈsē-ment
Synonyms of cementnext
1
a
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
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 3

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 teamT. W. Smith
2
: to overlay with concrete
cemented the cellar floor
cementer noun

cementer

3 of 3

noun (2)

ce·​ment·​er
si-ˈmen-tər also ˈsē-ˌmen-
plural -s
1
: one that cements or makes cement
2
a
: gluer
b
: a shipworker who applies cement on ships' bottoms, in crevices, or in any joints to make them watertight
d
: one who directs and assists workers in cementing the space between the sidewalls and steel casings of an oil or gas well to provide protection and control for underground operations
e
: a vulcanizer of breaks and holes in pneumatic tires

called also patcher

f
: a repairer of broken concrete structural parts and equipment

called also cement mason

Synonyms of cement

Examples of cement in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel Arguably the first resort to cement Ibiza’s reputation as a world-class wellness destination, Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel has reinvented its approach to wellbeing with a focus on longevity. Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Speak softly, and follow up to cement mutual trust soon. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026
Verb
In the other match of Group F, The Netherlands jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, all but cementing its place atop Group F at the end of the night. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026 With five volumes of his Noise Kandy series, to solo and collaborative albums (KISS THE RING, Kontraband, Trainspotting), the Griselda affiliate has cemented his status as one of today’s most formidable spitters. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cement

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Verb

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cement was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cement. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

cement

1 of 2 noun
ce·​ment si-ˈment How to pronounce cement (audio)
1
a
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
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 How to pronounce cement (audio)
1
2
: a plastic composition made especially of zinc or silica for filling dental cavities

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