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

The punk rocker paired his signature platinum-blond spikes with a black-and-purple leather jacket, biker gloves and matching pants. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

Harrier, meanwhile, wore a Bird on a Rock by Tiffany necklace in platinum and yellow gold set with a 12-carat rubellite and diamonds, while Melton accessorized with an aquamarine Bird on a Rock brooch and Tiffany Timer Chronograph watch. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Adjective

The multi-platinum singer and actress announced The Lucky Me Tour 2027, which will act as a second leg of her The Lucky Me Tour in 2026. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

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

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