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

Phrases

go platinum

: to have enough sales to qualify for a platinum record

Examples of platinum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The egg itself sits on a rock-crystal base, which is shaped like a block of melting ice and adorned with even more diamonds and platinum. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025

Donning a black gown and platinum-blond hair, the singer posed in a variety of shots alongside husband Jay-Z. —Caché McClay, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

Adjective

As has been the case for two decades, a multi-genre cultural blend focused on sing-along fun, driven by multi-platinum hits magnified through country music's century of traditions, will be highlighted. —Marcus K. Dowling, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025

Formed in 1976, Foreigner has recorded 10 multi-platinum albums and have had 16 Top 30 hits. —Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Sep. 2025

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