platinum

1 of 2

noun

plat·​i·​num ˈpla-tə-nəm 

ˈplat-nəm

often attributive

1

: a precious grayish-white noncorroding ductile malleable heavy metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys see Chemical Elements Table

2

: a moderate gray

platinum

2 of 2

adjective

: qualifying for a platinum record

see also:

go platinum

Examples of platinum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ingredients sit against durable food-grade stainless steel rather than plastic, while borosilicate glass lids with platinum-silicone seals help keep contents fresh. — Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2026

The group formed in 1994 and released its seven-times platinum debut, Spice, two years later. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026

Adjective

The three-time Grammy winners have amassed more than 14 billion global streams and 139 worldwide gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications. — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Directed by Kirk DeMicco from a screenplay by Ben Falcone and Damon Jones, Margie Claus will also have original songs written and produced by Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling artist Meghan Trainor along with Falcone and Jones. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Spanish platina, from diminutive of plata silver — more at plate

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1971, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing platinum

• cis-platinum
• go platinum
• platinum blonde
• platinum record

Kids Definition

platinum

1 of 2 noun

plat·​i·​num ˈplat-nəm 

-ᵊn-əm

: a heavy precious grayish white metallic element that is used especially as a catalyst and in jewelry see element

platinum

2 of 2 adjective

: qualifying for a platinum record

Medical Definition

platinum

noun

plat·​i·​num ˈplat-nəm, -ᵊn-əm 

: a heavy precious grayish white noncorroding ductile malleable metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys

—symbol Pt see Chemical Elements Table