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

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi proposed to Princess Beatrice in Italy in September 2019 with a three-stone platinum and diamond ring by British jeweler Shaun Leane, a favorite of Meghan's. —Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

Birch Gold Group is a precious metals dealer that helps customers diversify retirement savings with gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. —Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Adjective

His catalog has earned billions of global streams and numerous multi-platinum certifications. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026

Staind is a multi-platinum rock band that's toured alongside names like Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit and Filter. —Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 31 Mar. 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