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

Weak readings like that one tend to hurt copper and other industrial metals because they are widely used in construction and manufacturing. — Christopher Alessi, WSJ, "Copper Slumps on Weak Chinese Economic Data," 31 Dec. 2018 The facility also accepts contaminants such as arsenic, lead, zinc, cadmium and other metals. — Keith Ridler, The Seattle Times, "Monitors check for radiation release after waste site blast," 20 Nov. 2018 The sanctions already reimposed target Iranian trade in automobiles, gold and other key metals. — Gregg Re, Fox News, "John Bolton warns Iran 'there will be hell to pay' if aggression continues: 'We will come after you'," 25 Sep. 2018 Even the extraction of precious metals has proved hard for companies to capitalize on. — New York Times, "E-Waste Offers an Economic Opportunity as Well as Toxicity," 5 July 2018 Replacing the sodium with other metals change the color. — Kevin Davenport, idahostatesman, "O say can you see? The science behind the booms and blooms of Independence Day fireworks," 3 July 2018 The camera that caught Alzahab’s eye is indeed a curiosity: 30 pounds of copper, titanium, steel, gold and other metals welded together into a box that makes pictures by admitting only a pinhole of light. — Wayne Martin Belger, Smithsonian, "Pushed to the Margins, These Brave People Are Pushing Back," 27 June 2018 The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that over a three year period there were 28,000 claims for theft of industrial metals -- 98% of which was copper. — Thomas Leavy, CBS News, "Thief electrocuted while attempting to steal copper wire from light pole," 22 June 2018 At Alta, the steel mill in Edmonton, the metals tariffs delivered an immediate crisis. — Peter S. Goodman, BostonGlobe.com, "With a trade war possible, global economy already feels the effect," 16 June 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