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 unlikely commercial hit went platinum. —Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 12 Dec. 2025

Gold and platinum plans are generally more expensive upfront, but have lower deductibles for consumers to pay before the insurer starts paying. —Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Adjective

First multi-platinum recording artist to go back to school and play DIVISION I football. —Sam Jane, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025

The multi-platinum sensation lends her voice to Kinder's Fantasy Chocolate Factory float. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 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