plural coppers
1
: a metallic chemical element with atomic number 29 that is easily formed into sheets and wires and is one of the best known conductors of heat and electricity
—often used before another noun
copper wire
a copper mug
copper mines
see Chemical Elements Table
2
: a coin or token made of copper or bronze
3
chiefly British
: a large boiler (as for cooking)
4
: any of a subfamily (Lycaeninae of the family Lycaenidae) of small butterflies with usually copper-colored wings
Examples of copper in a Sentence
Noun (2)
a crime novel set in the days when policemen were coppers and safecrackers were "yeggs"
Recent Examples on the Web
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
The group pointed to the rising value of copper as a factor, even in incidents where there is no copper.
—Maddie Carr, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
There are two main types: hormonal IUDs, which release progestin to thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining, and copper IUDs, which use copper’s natural spermicidal properties.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 23 May 2025
In Boy's Lunch Money Could Be Worth $170K The first penny was produced in 1787, and, until 1857, the coins were 100% copper.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for copper
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Noun
Made from a thin sheet of copper alloy, the artifact depicts a North African hunting scene.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
The group pointed to the rising value of copper as a factor, even in incidents where there is no copper.
—Maddie Carr, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
There are two main types: hormonal IUDs, which release progestin to thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining, and copper IUDs, which use copper’s natural spermicidal properties.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 23 May 2025
In Boy's Lunch Money Could Be Worth $170K The first penny was produced in 1787, and, until 1857, the coins were 100% copper.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for copper
Cite this Entry
“Copper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copper. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
copper
1 of 2 noun
cop·per
ˈkäp-ər 
1
: a reddish metallic element that is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity see element
2
: a copper or bronze coin
3
chiefly British
: a large copper kettle or boiler
4
: any of various small butterflies with usually copper-colored wings
coppery
adjective
ˈkäp-(ə-)rē
copper
2 of 2 nounMedical Definition
copper
noun
cop·per
ˈkäp-ər
: a metallic chemical element with atomic number 29 that is ductile and malleable and one of the best conductors of heat and electricity
—symbol Cu
see Chemical Elements Table
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