copper

1 of 3

noun (1)

cop·​per ˈkä-pər How to pronounce copper (audio)
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

copper

2 of 3

verb

coppered; coppering ˈkä-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce copper (audio)

transitive verb

: to coat or sheathe with or as if with copper

copper

3 of 3

noun (2)

plural coppers

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
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
This latest version is available in three different shades: cobblestone, eggplant purple and copper tone. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 2025 The bathroom leans into luxury with a spa-like vibe, complete with a steam shower and a jacuzzi tub wrapped in marble and copper finishes—a perfect place to unwind after a long day, whether rehearsing a pas de deux or trying on clothes at Bergdorf’s. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 June 2025 The limestone facade is pearl-white again, the green copper roof looks brand new and the delightfully curious dozen sculptures of unclothed women adorning the exterior appear to be ready for their collective closeup, modesty be damned! David Weiss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The Democratic Republic of the Congo has substantial reserves of gold, cobalt, and high-grade copper that have been inaccessible due to the security risks and underdeveloped infrastructure, the International Trade Administration says. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for copper

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English coper, from Old English, from Late Latin cuprum copper, from Latin (aes) Cyprium, literally, Cyprian metal

Noun (2)

cop entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of copper was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Copper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copper. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

copper

1 of 2 noun
cop·​per ˈkäp-ər How to pronounce copper (audio)
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
ˈkäp-(ə-)rē
adjective

copper

2 of 2 noun

Medical Definition

copper

noun
cop·​per ˈkäp-ər How to pronounce copper (audio)
: 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
coppery adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on copper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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