glass

noun, often attributive

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\ ˈglas

, ˈgläs \

Definition of glass

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : any of various amorphous materials formed from a melt by cooling to rigidity without crystallization: such as

a : a usually transparent or translucent material consisting typically of a mixture of silicates

b : a material (such as obsidian) produced by fast cooling of magma

2a : something made of glass: such as

(1) : tumbler also : glassware

(2) : mirror

(3) : barometer

(4) : hourglass

(5) : backboard sense 1

b(1) : an optical instrument or device that has one or more lenses and is designed to aid in the viewing of objects not readily seen

(2) : field glasses, binoculars —usually used in plural

c glasses plural : a device used to correct defects of vision or to protect the eyes that consists typically of a pair of glass or plastic lenses and the frame by which they are held in place

— called also eyeglasses, spectacles

3 : the quantity held by a glass container

4 : fiberglass

5 : crystal meth specifically : a pure form of crystal meth

glass

verb

glassed; glassing; glasses

Definition of glass (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to provide with glass : glaze sense 1

b : to enclose, case, or wall with glass the sunroom was glassed in

2 : to make glassy

3a : reflect

b : to see mirrored

4 : to look at through an optical instrument (such as a pair of binoculars)

intransitive verb

: glaze entry 1 sense 1

Other Words from glass Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing glass Learn More About glass

Examples of glass in a Sentence

Noun The waiter filled our glasses with water. She drank two glasses of water. She was wearing dark glasses with thick black frames.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The two jams come in 9 oz glass jars, although the recall announcement doesn’t include images of the products. — Chris Smith, BGR, 18 May 2022 Grassy lawns and towering hedges separate the main house from the guesthouses — one of which adds a voluminous wood-and-glass space with a gym and yoga studio. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2022 The house also featured plate-glass windows and a widow’s walk — a platform on the roof surrounded by a balustrade — which Robinson had built for stargazing with his daughters. — Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2022 Despite the many changes, several period details were preserved, such as the decorative etched-glass transom in the vestibule. — Kathy Orton, Washington Post, 13 May 2022 The Active Powders and Hyaluronic Hydrator refills come in glass jars with aluminum caps, so they can be recycled in your at-home bin. — Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 12 May 2022 While better known for his leaded-glass lamps, Tiffany had a hand in everything from the exterior of the house to the decorative objects and wallpaper. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 May 2022 Best known for his leaded-glass lamps, Mr. Tiffany was also design director of the jewelry company Tiffany & Co., founded by his father, according to the Tiffany’s website. — E.b. Solomont, WSJ, 5 May 2022 In his Miami Beach home, hotelier Barry Sternlicht deftly placed a standalone soaking tub next to his walk-in shower, complete with custom steel-and-glass doors. — Kelsey Mulvey, ELLE Decor, 3 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb One of his first acts as Colorado athletic director in 2005 was to change the large wooden doors of his office to glass to encourage visitors. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2021 It can be made in a variety of materials, from masonry and plastic to glass ad metal. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Sep. 2021 The northern Italian city of Venice is a world leader in artisan crafts, from mask making to glass blowing. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021 Peach & Lily Your roadmap to glass skin begins (and ends) here. — Talia Abbas, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2021 All of the homes on the tour have a great room with an island to gather around and glass doors that slide away to an outdoor oasis. — oregonlive, 4 Aug. 2021 The plan was simple: Walk out to points of long ridges and glass open areas below. — Jace Bauserman, Outdoor Life, 23 Dec. 2020 Years ago, the industry switched from metal backs to glass in order to facilitate wireless charging, since the RF signals couldn't penetrate metal. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 2 Nov. 2020 There, several glassed-in enclosures contained multiple cubs, the couple says. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 17 Apr. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'glass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

25 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Glass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glass. Accessed 25 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for glass

glass

noun

\ ˈglas

Kids Definition of glass

1 : a hard brittle usually transparent substance commonly made from sand heated with chemicals

2 : a drinking container made of glass

3 glasses plural : a pair of glass or plastic lenses held in a frame and used to help a person see clearly or to protect the eyes

4 : the contents of a glass a glass of milk

glass

noun, often attributive

\ ˈglas

Medical Definition of glass

1a : an amorphous inorganic usually transparent or translucent substance consisting of a mixture of silicates or sometimes borates or phosphates formed by fusion of silica or of oxides of boron or phosphorus with a flux and a stabilizer into a mass that cools to a rigid condition without crystallization

b : a substance resembling glass especially in hardness and transparency organic glasses made from plastics

2a : an optical instrument or device that has one or more lenses and is designed to aid in the viewing of objects not readily seen

b glasses plural : a device used to correct defects of vision or to protect the eyes that consists typically of a pair of glass or plastic lenses and the frame by which they are held in place

— called also eyeglasses

Glass biographical name (1)

\ ˈglas