metal

noun, often attributive

met·al | \ ˈme-tᵊl

Definition of metal

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : any of various opaque, fusible, ductile, and typically lustrous substances that are good conductors of electricity and heat, form cations by loss of electrons, and yield basic oxides and hydroxides especially : one that is a chemical element as distinguished from an alloy

2a : mettle sense 1a

b : the substance out of which a person or thing is made

3 : glass in its molten state

4a : printing type metal

b : matter set in metal type

5 : road metal

6 : heavy metal sense 2

metal

verb

metaled or metalled; metaling or metalling

Definition of metal (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to cover or furnish with metal

Examples of metal in a Sentence

Noun a mixture of various kinds of metal sculptors who work in metal and clay a mixture of different metals

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Copeland joined other rioters in grabbing a metal fence that was being used as a barricade, according to the documents. — Sara Tabin, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Fifth Utahn charged over alleged involvement in U.S. Capitol riot," 29 Apr. 2021 Police had responded to the area, on Broadway near Second Avenue, for a report of a man striking vehicles with a metal pole. — Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Protesters demand release of video in fatal Escondido police shooting," 28 Apr. 2021 That same morning, police in Southern California got a call about someone hitting cars with a metal pole. — Alanna Durkin Richer And Lindsay Whitehurst, chicagotribune.com, "A verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, then 6 police killings across America in 24 hours," 24 Apr. 2021 That same morning, police in Southern California got a call about someone hitting cars with a metal pole. — Star Tribune, "1 verdict, then 6 police killings across America in 24 hours," 24 Apr. 2021 That same morning, police in Southern California got a call about someone hitting cars with a metal pole. — BostonGlobe.com, "1 verdict, then 6 police killings across America in 24 hours," 24 Apr. 2021 The building was protected by concrete barriers, a tall metal fence, police in riot gear and National Guard soldiers, the Associated Press reported. — Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, "Gregg Popovich keeps heat on owners, others who support Donald Trump," 14 Apr. 2021 Hundreds gathered around the building now ringed by concrete barriers and a tall metal fence Police in riot gear and National Guard soldiers stood watch. — Eric Ferkenhoff, USA TODAY, "Daunte Wright shooting: Decision on charges for former Brooklyn Center police officer could come Wednesday," 14 Apr. 2021 There won’t be a metal fence that suddenly pops up and prevents the vehicle from proceeding. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, "Self-Driving Cars Grappling With Human Drivers That Blow Through Stop Signs," 7 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The silicone holder attaches to metal vehicle surfaces (don’t try it on aluminum or fiberglass). — Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, "What’s shaking in dog- and cat-product innovations? | The Sacramento Bee," 2 May 2018

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

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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Entries near metal

Statistics for metal

Last Updated

5 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Metal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metal. Accessed 14 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for metal

metal

noun

English Language Learners Definition of metal

: a substance (such as gold, tin, or copper) that usually has a shiny appearance, is a good conductor of electricity and heat, can be melted, and is usually capable of being shaped

See the full definition for metal in the English Language Learners Dictionary

metal

noun

met·al | \ ˈme-tᵊl

Kids Definition of metal

1 : a substance (as gold, tin, copper, or bronze) that has a more or less shiny appearance, is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and usually can be made into a wire or hammered into a thin sheet

2 : mettle

metal

noun

met·al | \ ˈmet-ᵊl

Medical Definition of metal

: any of various opaque, fusible, ductile, and typically lustrous substances that are good conductors of electricity and heat, form cations by loss of electrons, and yield basic oxides and hydroxides especially : one that is a chemical element as distinguished from an alloy