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

Exploding artillery shells burst in the treetops, spraying metal down on them like rain. — Chris Kenning, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky vet captured during D-Day invasion 75 years ago to receive France's highest honor," 29 May 2019 The people in the village live the viking lifestyle and do everything the way the vikings did—from spinning their own yarn and making their own bread to hammering out metal in their on-site blacksmithing shop. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Weekend Trip Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink in Flåm, Norway," 25 May 2019 The house feels playful throughout with vibrant paint jobs and industrial touches like concrete floors, concrete block walls, dangling mismatched pendant lamps, and a metal built-in bookshelf. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Colorful modern farmhouse asks $700K," 14 Aug. 2018 Even microscopic changes, from air pressure to the metal that has defined a kilogram, could have large implications. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Why the World's Measuring Systems Just Changed—and What It Means," 20 May 2019 The increase from 10% hits thousands of Chinese products in categories as disparate as seafood, metals and machinery. — Takashi Mochizuki, WSJ, "Escalating U.S.-China Trade Fight Stings Companies World-Wide," 10 May 2019 Also, avoid high and open areas (like boulders or fields), tall objects like trees, bodies of water, and metal. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "14 Essential Hiking Safety Tips You Should Always Follow," 10 May 2019 For instance, the shimmery Las Vegas lipstick has #metal embossed on top. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Sephora’s New Lip Stories Lipsticks Are Inspired by the Most Popular Cities in America," 24 Apr. 2019 Milk paint is typically used on walls, furniture, woodwork, and metal. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Milk Paint: The Eco-Friendly Option That Everyone Should Know," 18 Apr. 2019

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