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

This reaction typically relies on metal catalysts — such as nickel, palladium, or platinum — to drive chemical production across a wide range of essential goods. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026

Kate’s earrings were made by Cartier between 1918 and 1929, according to Tatler, and are made with modern cut diamonds set in platinum. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of his generation, a multi-platinum rapper will be making his return to the Kansas City. —Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026

Music Badshah, multi-platinum Indian artist. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Feb. 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