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

The measure would require lawmakers to sign off on any levies applied in the name of national security, such as those Trump slapped on metals imports earlier this year and is eyeing for autos and auto parts. — Tory Newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: CFPB further under fire with Kavanaugh pick for Supreme Court," 11 July 2018 Bid categories included general trades; roofing; metal studs, drywall and acoustics; flooring; painting and wall coverings; plumbing; mechanical; and electrical. — Amy Lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Porter County Expo Center upgrades expected to begin after county fair," 10 July 2018 That’s going to have a big impact because together, Mexico, Canada, and the EU account for nearly 50 percent of America’s metal imports. — Ella Nilsen, Vox, "Vox Sentences: Denmark bans the burqa," 1 June 2018 Lawyers Matthew Rabin and Shaun Serelson represent a driver and passenger injured when a metal rod impaled their car within the I-4 work zone. — Kevin Spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "I-4 construction nightmares: Drivers seeking payment for car damage face daunting odds," 13 July 2018 Among precious metals, front-month gold edged up 0.2% to $1,245.00 a troy ounce. — Amrith Ramkumar, WSJ, "Copper Rebounds After Long Slump," 12 July 2018 The Trim Twist was a simple board on a metal turning mechanism that invited users to twist their hips back and forth as a way to work out their core, backside and legs. — USA TODAY, "The biggest exercise fad the year you were born," 12 July 2018 But the value of diamonds has generally risen more slowly than other luxury goods and precious metals like gold. — Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, "A Diamond Giant Plays Up Its Russian Ties to Appeal to Americans," 11 July 2018 Never carry a firework in your pocket or shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Fourth of July: Best tips to stay safe when using fireworks," 4 July 2018

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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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