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

Premium for less Also like the iPad, the Galaxy Tab S5e’s back is made out of metal rather than glass, which should cut down on the slipperiness as compared to the S4. — Michael Simon, PCWorld, "The ultra-thin Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e has an OLED screen, Android Pie and no S Pen for $400," 15 Feb. 2019 Among precious metals, most-active Comex gold for April delivery eased 0.1% to $1,313.90 a troy ounce. — Amrith Ramkumar, WSJ, "Copper Edges Higher as Analysts Weigh Trade Talks," 14 Feb. 2019 Layered bracelets and mixed metals with splashes of ocean blue are thematic and fit into the collectible approach of summertime jewelry stacking (and don't need to be all puka shells—luxe stones take things up a notch). — Julia Gall, Marie Claire, "5 Accessory Trends You'll See Everywhere This Year," 24 Jan. 2019 Further Reading Pumping liquid metal at 1,400°C opens the door for better solar thermal systems Malta's system stores electricity by taking that electricity, using a heat pump to convert the electricity to heat, and storing that heat in molten salt. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "Using molten salt to store electricity isn’t just for solar thermal plants," 24 Dec. 2018 The filter is airtight, and comprised of a dense sheet of small fibers pleated and sealed in a metal or plastic frame. — Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, "Do Air Purifiers Actually Work?," 17 Dec. 2018 For a three-toned look like Bella's, dust your crease with a shimmery bronze, then layer a metallic metal or silver from the center of the lid to the outer corner. — Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue, "Bella Hadid Wore a Glittery Smoky Eye During Paris Fashion Week," 26 Sep. 2018 Appropriately, the setting—its extravagant architecture, its rich pedigree, its juxtaposition of the classical and contemporary—is reflected in his intricate precious metal marvels. — Town & Country, "The Secret Worlds of Milan’s Design Illuminati," 21 Sep. 2018 In a large metal or glass bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar. — Redbook Test Kitchen, Redbook, "Marshmallow Ghosts," 19 Sep. 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