ingot

noun

in·​got ˈiŋ-gət 

1

: a mass of metal cast into a convenient shape for storage or transportation to be later processed

2

: a mold in which metal is cast

Did you know?

An ingot is a mass of metal that has been cast into a size and shape (such as a bar, plate, or sheet) that is convenient to store, transport, and work into a semi-finished or finished product. The term also refers to a mold in which metal is so cast. Steel ingots range in size from small rectangular blocks weighing a few pounds (or kilograms) to huge, tapered, octagonal masses weighing more than 500 tons (450 metric tons).

Examples of ingot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My job was to kind of ferry big boxes of ingots around. — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 4 May 2026

Or think dumplings, which represent wealth and good fortune with shapes recalling gold ingots. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2026

People will see the deity off, wishing for a prosperous year and eating wonton resembling an ingot. — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026

In 2001, an 80-pound ingot was bought by a private collector for a record $8 million. — CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, perhaps modification of Middle French lingot ingot of metal, incorrectly divided as l'ingot, as if from le the

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing ingot

• ingot iron

Kids Definition

ingot

noun

in·​got ˈiŋ-gət 

: a mass of metal cast into a shape that is easy to handle or store